10 ‘Junk’ Items From the ‘60s That Are Worth a Small Fortune Today

The 1960s were a pivotal moment in history that left lasting changes on pop culture, music, and American life. So naturally, there are many collectibles, from toys to records to furniture, from the '60s that are incredibly valuable today. What might look like junk at an estate sale, thrift store, or even your own attic could actually be your key if you want to earn extra money on the resale market.

Keep an eye out for these 10 collectibles from the '60s that have sold for hundreds, and beyond.

Editor's note: All estimated market value data comes from eBay, unless otherwise stated.

Amazing Fantasy #15 comic

Estimated market value: $42,900

The world was introduced to Spider-Man in the 1962 Amazing Fantasy #15 comic. These days, the comic is worth a fortune to collectors; one in excellent condition even sold for $3.6 million through Heritage Auctions, making it one of the most expensive comic books ever sold.

Despite its value, the comic is not exceedingly rare, so you may have a copy if you've inherited a relative's old comic book collection. The going rate for one in decent condition, rated by the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), on eBay currently exceeds $40,000.

1960s rookie baseball cards

Estimated market value: $870

It's worth it to do some research on any baseball card from the 1960s that you believe could be valuable, particularly those from Topps. According to Giant Sports Cards, rookie cards for players who would go on to have storied careers are particularly valuable.

A 1968 Mets rookie card featuring Nolan Ryan and Jerry Koosman, for example, is attracting much attention on eBay with an $870 asking price, and a mint condition card could be worth six figures, according to Giant Sports Cards.

Vintage Ethan Allen wood tables/cabinets

Estimated market value: $750

Midcentury modern furniture had its heyday in the 1960s, with an emphasis on simple, functional furniture. Ethan Allen wooden pieces from the era have stayed in demand, and many wooden, retro-looking side tables, nightstands, dressers, and cabinets in good condition have sold on eBay recently for hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars.

Other midcentury modern brands, like Eames, are worth keeping an eye out for as well.

Tonka flatbed tow truck

Estimated market value: $575

Tonka trucks were first manufactured by the Mound Metalcraft company, which was eventually renamed Tonka Toys, in 1947. Vintage trucks from the '50s through the '70s tend to be highly valuable to collectors. A red, flatbed tow truck from the '60s with plenty of wear recently sold on eBay for $575.

All vintage Tonka products are identifiable by the Tonka logo and heavy steel design.

1967 talking G.I. Joe

Estimated market value: $295

Any vintage G.I. Joe action figures released in the '60s could be valuable, but talking G.I. Joes from 1967 regularly sell on eBay for more than $200. The figure is wearing green army fatigues and has a dog tag you are able to pull to hear his phrases, which include things like "G.I. Joe, U.S. Army, reporting for duty."

A figure kept in good condition, with his talking ability still intact, recently sold on eBay for $295.

Chatty Cathy dolls

Estimated market value: $280

Chatty Cathys were the first mass-produced talking dolls, a groundbreaking development when they were first released back in 1960. Collectors regularly pay over $100 for the dolls, even when there are signs of wear or the "talking" feature sounds a bit wonky.

One Cathy with her voice feature restored recently sold on eBay for $280.

'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan' record

Estimated market value: $200

A used, first press copy of Bob Dylan's 1963 album, "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," is still worth something on the resale market, with the going rate around $50 to $200. Versions of this vinyl that sell for more than $100 tend to be in excellent condition or still include the shrink wrap from their original sale.

There's also an exceedingly rare version of the record, a stereo pressing that includes four tracks that were replaced before the official release, that recently sold for $150,000 at Heritage Auctions.

Redline Hot Wheels

Estimated market value: $200

Redline Hot Wheels were first released in 1968, and you could identify them by a signature red stripe on their wheels. How much a redline car is worth depends on the model and the condition, and those in excellent condition have been known to sell for hundreds.

The estimated market value is for a recently sold 1968 '36 Ford Coupe in blue that came in its original package.

1963 original Easy-Bake Oven

Estimated market value: $145

Even though Easy-Bake ovens were all the rage in the 1990s, they are a creation of the '60s.

An original Easy-Bake oven from the early '60s, a miniature turquoise oven with pans and tools to make cookies and cakes, is a valuable find for collectors. One that is in working condition was recently sold on eBay for $145.

1964 Kennedy silver half dollar

Estimated market value: $56

After the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the U.S. Mint released commemorative silver half dollars featuring the late president's portrait. The coins aren't rare, as hundreds of millions were created, but they are worth serious cash if found in excellent condition.

While the going rate for Kennedy silver dollars is around $50 on eBay these days, a very high-grade version once sold for $57,600, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

Bottom line

While some of these high-value 1960s collectibles may be hidden away in your own attic or basement, browsing local garage and estate sales and reselling valuable finds is, for many, a fun way to make some extra money on the side.

The key is to spend time learning what sort of '60s memorabilia tends to sell well, and to inspect any promising finds for wear and tear, missing pieces, and other factors that could impact sales.

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Calista Headrick

Calista Headrick has written and edited nearly 600 articles for FinanceBuzz, with a focus on travel hacks, smart shopping, the seemingly always unpredictable job market, and real estate. She brings editorial precision and firsthand financial experience to her work. Calista maintains a personal budgeting system and a six-month emergency fund, and translates that real-world know-how into guidance readers can actually use.