Yard sale treasures: 10 items that might make you thousands

If you are heading out to a yard or estate sale, here are a few items to keep an eye out for, as they might be worth much more than the sticker price. But, before you head out, it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the goodies that might have some resale value.

Old electronics

Though you might have thrown yours out, some older electronics are now worth some serious cash.

A first-generation iPod sold for $29,000 on the collectibles investment platform Rally in 2023. However, at auction, it was sold in its original packaging, a big plus in collection circles.

A Nintendo Game Boy can sell for anywhere between $50 and $3,000, depending on the condition, while a Sony Walkman TPS-L2 has sold for as much as $2,500.

If the yard sale you are at has plenty of electronics, consider doing a few quick searches to see if there is anything worth picking up.

Boy Scout and Girl Scout memorabilia

If you are finding that the vendor has loads of older Girl and Boy Scout badges, do a quick online search to see if they might be worth anything.

Those that have been discontinued or replaced can be found on sites like eBay and range in value depending on how rare or old they are. A bundle of badges and other collectables from the 1950s is on sale for $77. Meanwhile, another seller has auctioned off badges from the 1980s and 90s, and is asking for close to $50 (granted, the package includes over 40 patches).

Be on the lookout for the original collection, which differs for boy and girl scout organizations. The older the better when it comes to these. If you happen to find a merit badge that has been discontinued, it is likely rarer and also worth more.

Vintage Toys

Beyond Lego sets, many vintage toys have appreciated significantly in value. Beanie Babies, Barbies, and other dolls are popular examples.

At Heritage Auctions, a battery-operated Batman Robot with its original box, produced by Bandai in the 1960s, sold for $42,500 in 2023. However, there are more affordable collectible toys as well.

For example, a 1993 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure, formerly marketed as the Scratch AFA 75+ EX+/NM by Playmates, is currently being auctioned with a minimum asking price of $6,000.

Stamps

Though letter writing has fallen out of fashion, stamps attached to letters remain highly valuable to collectors. For those looking to invest between $1,000 and $20,000, there are numerous options available.

Some stamps date back as far as the 1800s. For instance, the 1869 6¢ Washington Shield Stamp is currently being auctioned by Mystic Stamp for around $1,800. However, high-grade examples have sold for significantly more, offering collectors discretion in how much they wish to invest.

For those on a tighter budget, there are still valuable options. The 1893 2¢ Columbian Exposition Stamp, which commemorates the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago that same year, is part of a greater collection of valuable stamps. The 2¢ stamp is available online for anywhere between $18 and $130, but buyers should always ensure authenticity before making a purchase.

Lego Sets

Lego collectors have gained traction on social media, inspiring many to invest in discontinued sets. One investor, Shane O’Farrell, explained his strategy, which has yielded thousands of dollars to Yahoo! Finance earlier this year.

Each year, he identifies which sets will be retired and purchases them. But applying this strategy is not for the faint of heart, O’Farrell says that it is his full-time job, not a simple side hustle to bring in additional cash.

As supply decreases and demand increases on third-party sites like eBay, investors who follow this trend closely can make significant profits. However, newcomers to this strategy should be aware that they may be entering the market late, making it harder to achieve the same level of success.

Comic Books

Where there’s a fanbase, there’s a collector’s market, and comic books are no exception. As with many collectibles, condition greatly impacts price.

For example, The Amazing Spider-Man Issue 50 from 1967 is currently listed on eBay for prices ranging from $11.50 to over $4,000. The lower-priced version is considered a “Low-Grade Reader Copy,” explaining its affordability. More expensive copies often come with a CGC Grading Scale certification, ensuring the comic’s condition has been professionally evaluated. Buyers interested in investing in comic books should consider graded copies to avoid overpaying.

Coins

If the household hosting the yard sale is a collector, you will want to be on the lookout for coins. Some coins can be worth much more than their given value. For instance, the 1976 quarter without a mint mark, celebrating the bicentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, can be worth thousands of dollars to collectors.a

Trading Cards

Diving into the world of trading cards can feel overwhelming, with millions of options to choose from. However, for those willing to spend time researching the market, trading cards can be a valuable investment. If you have a passion for sports, collecting cards may come more naturally, as your knowledge of star athletes and legendary teams could give you an edge over less-informed investors.

Baseball remains one of the most lucrative trading card markets. In 2022, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sold for over $12 million, according to ESPN. However, before making a major purchase, it’s wise to consult an expert who can verify the authenticity and condition of a card to ensure its value aligns with the asking price.

Records

For music lovers, collecting records can be a rewarding hobby with options for various budgets.

In 2015, businessman and pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli purchased Once Upon a Time in Shaolin by the Wu-Tang Clan for $2 million, according to Rolling Stone. However, after being convicted of fraud by the U.S. Department of Justice—following controversy over unethical drug pricing—the record became the property of the U.S. government.

Fortunately, many other albums are available for much less on platforms like eBay and specialty auction sites. Later this month, Omega Auctions will host The Beatles Collection event. Interested bidders must register in advance, and only those with an appointment will be allowed to preview the items up for auction. Over a dozen items up for sale will have a starting bid of less than £500, or around $650. eBay is also a popular site for those looking for records, and there, buyers should proceed with caution, but might be able to find deals on some of their favorite albums that happen to make good investments.

Vintage Watches

Lastly, on our list are vintage watches.

This market, though a bit more expensive than some of the other goods on the list, consists of items that hold their value well. If you already have a favorite brand or one that offers a few options within your price range, this might be a helpful investment vehicle. Nevertheless, you will want to ensure that it is an authentic watch from the brand that it bears. Some of the most notable brands are Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet, but these are likely to be out of the price range of many looking to get into the hobby of collecting.

One blogger, Tinkerman’s Watches, has provided a list of those that he sees as ‘underrated brands, ’ which could be a good place to start for those who are not yet ready to shell out thousands of dollars on one of the more recognizable brands that collectors often flock to.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.