9 Vintage Collectibles You’re Hanging Onto That Aren’t Worth Squat

For decades, we've been told that certain collectibles, from Hot Toys and figurines to stamps and kitchenware, could be a ticket to build real wealth. There's this stubborn idea that collectibles that were very popular in decades past will become infinitely more valuable as the years go on.

Unfortunately, many of these so-called collectibles were mass-produced and haven't become the valuable assets they were once marketed as.

It may be time to part ways with these nine vintage collectibles that have little to no value today.

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

Norman Rockwell plates

Estimated market value: $2-$70

Norman Rockwell was known for his paintings of everyday Americans in the early to mid-20th century, painting a range of characters from teachers to artists, athletes, milkmen, and more.

Plates featuring cozy Rockwell designs certainly look like valuable collectibles, but most aren't worth much. It's rare for a sale to exceed $20 on eBay today.

There are some exceptions, particularly for plates made of valuable materials. Recently, a silver plate featuring a couple kissing under the mistletoe for Christmas sold on eBay for $300.

Precious Moments figures

Estimated market value: $15-$130

Precious Moments figures were first released in the 1970s, and the company has released countless sculptures featuring adorable, wide-eyed children since. To this day, the figures are often given as gifts to celebrate milestones like a wedding or the birth of a child.

They may be cute, but the figures are mass-produced, and it's rare to find one that's actually valuable. Recent sales on eBay show most sell for between $15 and $50.

There are a select few, particularly early releases, that do sell for more. A figure known as "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver," that features a child with a barrel full of puppies, often sells on eBay for more than $100.

Retro Barbies

Estimated market value: $15-$130

Since Barbie first debuted in 1959, many have hung onto their iconic dolls hoping to one day cash in on nostalgia associated with certain releases. However, most Barbies are worth very little, even dolls considered vintage from the 1960s, '70s, and '80s.

For example, a "Beach Blast" Barbie from the late '80s in good condition recently sold for $15. On the pricier side, a Barbie from the '60s with a bob haircut popular in the era sold for over $100.

Barbie No. 1, the original doll complete with a black-and-white striped bathing suit, is a different story. Recent sales top $14,000.

'80s and '90s baseball cards

Estimated market value: $1

Many collectors dismiss baseball cards from the mid-80s through the '90s because of a phenomenon known as the "junk wax era," where cards were mass-produced, and there was a decline in quality.

Even cards of fan favorites of the era, like Don Mattingly and Cal Ripken Jr., can sell for $1 or less.

Some cards still hold serious value, though. A 1982 Ripken card, for example, commemorates the player's brief stint on third base for the Baltimore Orioles. A card in near-mint condition recently sold for $225, and they've sold for thousands in the past.

Stamps

Estimated market value: $1-$1,200

Stamp collecting has long been a popular hobby, but unfortunately, it's one that often doesn't pay.

Some stamps released in the early 20th and late 19th century still hold value, but condition matters a great deal. For example, a green, one-cent stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin from 1927 recently sold on eBay for $1. Another, from 1909 and in very good condition, sold for $45.

A Franklin stamp from 1861 recently sold for $1,200, and they have been known to sell for much more.

Beanie Babies

Estimated market value: $1-$10

Though Beanie Babies were all the rage in the '90s, and many collectors thought they would eventually be sitting on a small fortune, most of these bean-stuffed toys are only worth $1 to $10 today.

There are a few, extremely rare exceptions. A purple bear meant to honor Princess Diana after her death has been known to sell for thousands, as has a special Valentino bear released to celebrate Valentine's Day in 1994.

Ceramic/porcelain dolls

Estimated market value: $10-$60

Though ceramic and porcelain dolls often came in fancy boxes and dressed up in lavish outfits, the majority of these dolls are worth $10 or less on the resale market.

Recent eBay sales for dolls by common brands like House of Lloyd indicate that even a doll kept in good condition, with its original outfit and tightly wound banana curls, is not worth much more than $10.

There are certain brands that tend to sell for a bit more. Vintage Madame Alexander dolls with their original boxes have recently sold for $50 to $60.

Pogs

Estimated market value: $1-$30

Pogs were all the rage in the '90s, and like several other hot toys of the era, there was speculation that certain collectible releases would eventually be worth serious cash. For most of these circular pieces, that is not the case.

Some are worth even less than a dollar. Recent sales on eBay show a range from around $1 for Pogs featuring members from the cast of "Scooby-Doo" to $30 for a gold-plated slammer.

Full sets often sell for more, like a complete set of 192 "Dragon Ball Z" Pogs that recently sold for $300.

Funko Pop! figures

Estimated market value: $5-$105

Despite their popularity, and how they have seemingly permeated into every fandom space known to man, most Funko Pop! figures have not retained value, even ones that are now considered vintage.

Recent sales on eBay show that most sell for around $5 to $20, even in excellent condition with original boxes. Some more exclusive finds are worth more, like a special release featuring Carl and Ellie from Disney Pixar's "Up," which recently went for more than $100.

Seriously rare releases, like a Funko of Marvel legend Stan Lee that recently sold for $6,500, will sell for serious cash, but these exceptions are few and far between.

Bottom line

Despite the nostalgia we may feel for our collectibles from past eras, it's important to be realistic about value if you're trying to earn extra money by selling on the vintage market. Many items that were once popular with collectors may be taking up more space in your home than they're worth.

Before you completely clean out your storage space, though, it's worth it to take a look at recent sales for your collectibles on a site like eBay. You may unknowingly have one of the rare money-makers.

You May Also Like

5 Ways You Could Make Real Money Without Quitting Your Job

By FinanceBuzz Editors

6 Things To Do If You’re Barely Scraping By Financially

By FinanceBuzz Editors

7 Clever Ways to Crush Your Debt

By FinanceBuzz Editors

Hands Down The Laziest Ways People Are Making Extra Cash

By FinanceBuzz Editors

7 Moves If You Want to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

By FinanceBuzz Editors

25 Legit Ways to Make Extra Cash

By Team FBZ

Download This Gaming App That's Paid Out Over $500 Million

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

Freecash Benefits

• Earn Free Cash Within Minutes
• Has paid out over $500 million to users since 2019
• You choose the offers you want to complete and stack for rewards
• Multiple cash-out options
• “Excellent” Trustpilot Rating (54,000+ reviews, 4.6/5 stars)

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

Download Freecash

---

Subscribe Today

Learn how to make an extra $200

Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.

or

Subscribe Now →

By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from FinanceBuzz and to the privacy policy and terms