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

Vintage clothing and goods are hot commodities these days, and you may be surprised by which everyday items now qualify as valuable vintage. Due to a healthy mix of nostalgia from older generations and younger ones embracing styles and trinkets from decades past, reselling vintage gear could be a fun and simple way to put extra cash in your pocket.

These 11 items from the 1960s could easily be mistaken for junk but have sold for small fortunes on the resale market.

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

Rookie baseball cards

Estimated market value: $1,125

Rookie baseball cards from the 1960s have been known to sell for well over a thousand dollars when kept in excellent condition. Perhaps the most valuable from the era is a 1968 Mets rookie card featuring both Nolan Ryan and Jerry Koosman.

It's extremely rare, and Giants Sports Cards reports that any card in near mint condition could be worth more than $100,000. A card graded "very good" recently sold on eBay for $1,125.

Vintage Carhartt

Estimated market value: $258

Vintage Carhartt work gear may look worn, but the company's canvas products have maintained much of their value, with some products becoming more valuable.

A pair of work overalls from the 1960s, for example, kept in decent condition and with "Union Made" listed on the label, recently sold for more than $250 on eBay. Overalls, coats, and more have sold for hundreds.

Vinyl go-go boots

Estimated market value: $298

Even without a brand name attached, vintage go-go boots from the '60s could command premiums on the resale market. Knee-high boots were all the rage and played a key role in the classic mod outfit.

A pair of black, lace-up vinyl boots is currently attracting much attention on eBay with an asking price near $300, and these vintage classics regularly sell on the site for a few hundred dollars.

Leica M3 camera

Estimated market value: $1,250

Even though photography has come a long way since the '60s, there is a lucrative resale market for well-kept, working cameras from the era.

The Leica M3 was first released in the mid-'50s and quickly became a favorite among film photography enthusiasts. A version of the sleek, sophisticated camera from the '60s recently sold on eBay for more than $1,200.

1965 Beatles lunchbox

Estimated market value: $600

Metal lunchboxes from the 1960s have been known to garner massive payouts, particularly those featuring pop icons of the era. There is perhaps no '60s pop icon more well-known than The Beatles, so it makes sense that a lunch pail and thermos combo featuring the Fab Four's faces is worth hundreds.

A blue Beatles lunch box and thermos released in 1965 recently sold on eBay for $600.

1967 Talking G.I. Joe

Estimated market value: $295

G.I. Joe action figures were first released in the 1960s, and several have become collectibles worth big paydays, including a 1967 talking version that utters phrases like "G.I. Joe, U.S. Army, reporting for duty."

The doll is dressed in green Army fatigues and has a dog tag you are able to pull to make it talk. One version, even with some issues with the talking feature, recently sold on eBay for nearly $300.

Sunburst clocks

Estimated market value: $250

Sunburst clocks have a classic mid-century modern look. They typically feature analog clocks in the center, and a sun-like design with "rays" sticking out.

Popular brands like Elgin have retained value. One version with the classic sunburst design and metal and wooden "rays" recently sold for $250, and larger, more ornate clocks do sometimes sell for more.

PYREX mixing bowl set

Estimated market value: $200

Kitchen collectors know to look for the PYREX label anytime they are browsing a garage or estate sale, as vintage bowls, dishes, and more tend to retain value, particularly mid-century products.

A set of three bowls from the '60s with a popular pink striped pattern recently sold on eBay for $200, and some rarities in other popular patterns of the era, like Gooseberry or Pink Daisy, have sold for more.

Original Easy-Bake Oven

Estimated market value: $156

Though a revamped version of the Easy-Bake Oven was quite popular in the 1990s, the first ovens were released in the '60s, and working versions of those have been known to sell for serious cash.

One version of the retro turquoise oven recently sold on eBay for more than $150. Though visibly worn, the oven came with its original box and set of tiny baking dishes and tools.

Chatty Cathy dolls

Estimated market value: $250

Chatty Cathy was groundbreaking toy technology in the 1960s when the talking dolls were first released. If kept in good condition, these dolls could sell for a few hundred dollars.

Condition, original boxing, and, of course, if the doll's talking feature still works, all play a role in value.

1968 Redline Hot Wheels

Estimated market value: $200

Redline Hot Wheels, identifiable by the red lines seen on the wheels, were first released in the late '60s. Though many Redline Hot Wheels aren't worth much, there are a few rarities that collectors are willing to shell out big bucks for.

A 1968 Eldorado in a rare lime green color, for example, recently sold for $200 on eBay. Camaros and Corvettes from the same year also tend to command a premium.

Bottom line

With all sorts of vintage items in demand and commanding premium prices these days, reselling common household products from decades past could be a legitimate way to earn extra income outside of work.

However, condition and authenticity are key when it comes to making money off vintage products. Some, like baseball cards, would likely need to be assessed by a certified appraiser. You could get a decent idea of value for others by checking recent sales on a site like eBay.

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