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Technically, anything that is older than 20 years can be called ” vintage “. But when you think about items that actually deserve this title, your mind probably doesn’t go to Beanie Babies. Instead, it still brings up images of vinyl records and toys made of metal.
If you’re someone who collects, saves, or even casually hoards your old stuff, you may be sitting on a secret pile of cash. As a decade marked by unique cultural and aesthetic shifts, the 1970s produced a treasure trove of vintage items worth a lot of money.
The 70s were full of adventurous styles, groundbreaking music, and remarkable technological advancements. Objects from this decade are sought after not only for their rarity, but also for the stories they tell and the memories they evoke. If you want to earn some extra cash, you don’t need to go to an heirloom auction with your grandmother’s old Pyrex dishes.
Whether you have coveted vintage toys, Boy Scout memorabilia or a complete set of limited-edition comic books in excellent condition, you may have significantly underestimated the value of items from this era. Collectors and enthusiasts alike are willing to pay high prices or even top dollar for well-preserved, authentic pieces.
Here are five valuable collectibles from the 1970s that you probably have stored in your attic or basement.
vintage apple computer
In the span of only a few decades, Apple computers changed the game for personal and home computers, and it all started in the 1970s. The Apple I computer, released in 1976, stands out to collectors as an early Apple product. It was famously created by the famous duo of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and symbolizes the pioneering spirit of the technological revolution.
While the Apple II, released in 1977, cost around $1,300 at launch, it can now run you an estimated more than $6,600. If it’s in good condition with its own monitor, separate keyboard or casing, and five-color on-screen graphics, it may be worth selling.
Collectors eagerly seek out original Apple-1 units, especially those that are in working condition or with their original packaging. These rare pieces can fetch a whopping $220,000 at auction, a testament to their enduring importance in the tech world.
Still, earning $6,000 for other older models isn’t too bad for something you once considered junk in your garage.
classic video games
The 1970s marked the beginning of the Golden Age of video gaming, with a number of iconic consoles and games that became highly sought after among both gamers and collectors. The Atari Video Computer System, known as the Atari 2600 after 1977, was a pioneer in gaming entertainment.
Here are some examples of what you can make if you sell simple vintage games.
- Space Invaders (Atari 2600, 1978): $75 to $1,450
- Pong (original Atari Pong C-100, 1972): $100 to $150
- Asteroids (original arcade machine, 1979): $1,200
Collectors today prize well-maintained Atari consoles and rare game cartridges, some of which are worth several thousand dollars. These home or arcade video games, especially in their original, or best possible condition, can be valued between $1,000 to $5,000, making them a goldmine for those who want to clean out old boxes stored from childhood.
iconic toys
The 1970s were a golden age for toys, with many iconic brands and characters emerging that are still celebrated today, such as all things Star Wars. Following the release of the culturally transformative box office powerhouse in 1977, these figures became instant favorites. And the rarer the toy, the higher the price, as you can see from the following highly valuable Star Wars toys.
- Rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype (1979): Only two dozen or so were made and this action figure had a different utility than other models. That’s why it sold at auction for $204,435.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi with double-telescoping lightsaber (1977): It is a rare Star Wars toy and sold for $76,000 at an auction in 2018.
- Double Telescoping Darth Vader (1977): Although initial versions never came to market, those that exist require heavy authentication. This special edition was purchased at an auction for $24,500, still in its box.
Original and extremely rare models from the late 1970s are particularly iconic, such as the Boba Fett figure with firing rocket pack, action figures with different utilities compared to other models or models of which very few were made. These figures, especially in mint condition and original packaging, represent not only a piece of cinema history but an attractive investment.
vintage fashion
The ’70s fashion scene was marked by iconic trends from some of the world’s first supermodels to legendary designers walking the runway. Original pieces from this era, especially those from fashion giants such as Gucci, Halston, Bob Mackie, Yves Saint Laurent and Dior, are highly coveted.
The price of these vintage items can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the piece and its condition. If you have 1970s pieces in good condition in your wardrobe, you should consider selling them online yourself or through sites like ThredUp, which will buy your designer items for resale on their site.
retro electronics
The late 1970s saw the advent of personal electronics that changed entertainment forever. The Sony Walkman TPS-L2, introduced in 1979, is a notable example. Now, it is fetching more than $2,300 on platforms like eBay. Similarly, original Sony Trinitron color TVs are valued at $1,000 or more among collectors.
In today’s mentality of always throwing away your old phone and replacing it with a newer model, it’s nice to see that relics of the electronic past still have value. Before you throw away your old retro television or Walkman, it might be worth a Google search to see what they’re worth on eBay.
final take to go
The 1970s offered highly coveted items that peak a collector’s nostalgic interest. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a fan of childhood artifacts, these 1970s items can be potentially lucrative investments. Keep an eye on these treasures, as they will continue to be appreciated and appreciated.