13 Vintage Ad Signs That Are Worth a Small Fortune (And How to Spot Them)

Vintage advertising signs are slices of history. They're also often very attractive, with bright colors and instantly recognizable branded designs. But did you know that they can also hold an attractive price?

From 1950s porcelain signs to 1980s vintage neon beer logos, there are many valuable advertising signs that could boost your bank account and are instead languishing in garages and attics. You can also find some real gems at flea markets or estate sales, or if you're very lucky, hidden away at the back of your favorite thrift store.

Below, you'll discover 13 vintage signs that start at $100 (and multiply from there quickly!), and learn how to identify some of the most iconic ones. 

Sometimes found in sales from long-established bars that have shut down, plastic light-up Miller signs can fetch hundreds of dollars. The "Twist and Shout" sign was popular in 1988 and shows an oversized plastic beer cap. Today, it can sell for nearly $100.

Look for a date stamp on the very bottom of the sign and check if it includes the brewery city and state details.

Cigarette advertising was big business before stringent federal regulations. Some people will pay a steep price for tobacco-related nostalgia, such as 1960s Camel brand cigarette advertisements.

Thin metal signs, often with holes showing where they were attached to a store or gas station wall, can sell for over $140.

Porcelain cigarette advertisements were common at gas stations in the 1930s through the 1950s. Sometimes, they were attached directly to the pump; ironically, the last place you should be thinking about having a drag.

Lucky Strike pump signs can fetch $195, even with some damage. Test your enamel sign with a magnet, as pre-1960 signs will always be made of steel.

As one of the world's most recognizable gas and oil brands, the yellow and red Shell icon is unmistakable. Porcelain (enamel on metal) signs from the 1930s onward can sell for substantial amounts at auction, especially when they are in pristine condition with no chips or dents.

Embossed signs are highly sought after, but even flat porcelain signs can be worth around $195.

Collectors highly seek after another entry on this list: Miller Beer's neon bar signs. The use of neon for signs dates back to 1919. In the 1960s, neon became associated with seedy establishments. However, by the 1970s, this stigma had passed.

So, if you have Miller bar signs from the '70s or '80s, they could be worth over $280.

One of America's most popular soda brands, Pepsi, employed a clever marketing tactic in the 1950s and 1960s. They painted their logo and name onto giant, metal bottle caps. Check that yours is genuine by looking for the factory name and "Made in USA" on the white band at the bottom of the sign.

In good condition, these are worth over $350.

Possibly the least well-known brand on our list, Blatz beer is still a Milwaukee classic. Brewed since 1851, any Blatz memorabilia will be worth something to the right buyer. However, if you have a 1950s neon Blatz sign, it could go for $450.

Genuine signs will have Blatz imprinted on the power blocks.

The "big bright Texaco star" has been a part of American culture since 1902, with gas stations appearing across the nation in 1928. Today, original porcelain Texaco signs, particularly from the 1930s to the 1950s, can be worth up to $950.

Genuine signs always feature the red star and may range in diameter from 15 to 72 inches.

The most recognizable soda brand is as popular today as it was back in the 1950s. Fans of the iconic drink pay over $2,500 for original Coca-Cola metal signs. They're normally predominantly red and faded, with a rust-like patina.

Distinct, bright colors likely indicate a more common reproduction.

The Ford brand, renowned for its motor expertise since the early 20th century, is a highly sought-after brand among collectors. There are plenty of round and oval porcelain signs for sale. However, winged signs with the slogan "The Universal Car" have sold at Sotheby's for $4,600.

Always check for a printed manufacturer's mark.

The Chevrolet cross or bow tie is one of the most recognizable logos in the automotive industry. In the 1950s, the manufacturer created porcelain signs based on this logo in striking blue and white, primarily for Chevy dealerships.

If you find one, you could sell it for over $180, although one in very good condition went for $48,000.

In the 1950s, a glowing, red-winged horse was a common sight if you had to fill up at a Mobil gas station. Now considered an essential piece of Americana, fully functional signs in mint condition can sell for $70,000 at auction.

Genuine originals feature a single, thin line of neon raised above the red background.

Harleys have long been associated with freedom and the open road. The love for this motorcycle brand also extends to its vintage memorabilia. Vintage sign experts state that Harley-Davidson porcelain signs have sold for over $86,000 in the past.

Verify that the mounting holes are clean, as stained holes or rivets could indicate a reproduction.

If you're lucky enough to be sitting on more than just nostalgia, you could get ahead financially because you own a sought-after sign.

Not every old advertising sign is worth a fortune, but it's always best to get yours checked out. Look for popular brands, or recognizable store or gas station names. Also, check the style of yours against online images from auctions to ensure that you haven't got a reproduction or fake.

A local antiques expert can help with valuation, but always get two opinions, so you have an average. It's also worth noting that the vintage sign market is changeable as prices can shift quickly.