Nostalgia sells
The following rare items not only bring back warm memories of the '80s—they're also worth a whole lot of money today, especially if they are in mint condition. How many of these do you still have?
Super Mario Bros.
Up to $2 million
Vintage Super Mario Bros. is a moneymaker. In 2021, Rally, a collectibles website, announced a new record sale of an unopened 1985 Super Mario Bros. video game cartridge for $2 million. This surpassed the previous record of $1.56 million set at Heritage Auctions for a Super Mario 64 edition.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
Up to $245,000
CGC 9.8 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is the comic that introduced the Turtles, Master Splinter, and the Shredder. It shares the same grade as a record-breaking sale in 2021 for $245,000, making it the most valuable comic in 40 years. The book's value continues to rise steadily today.
Astronaut B Pez dispenser
Up to $32,000
The most expensive Pez dispenser in the world, known as The 1982 World's Fair Astronaut B, was auctioned on eBay in 2006. The unique white helmet and green stem of the item stood out from the only other known example with a blue helmet and stem. The bidding has reached over $32,000 with 5 days remaining.
Topps #482, Rickey Henderson
Up to $30,000
Don't throw out your baseball cards, especially if you have this one. In 2015, Mile High Card Company's Spring Elite Extra Innings Auction set a new record by selling a 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson RC PSA 10 for over $30,000.
Transformers Collectibles
Up to $30,000
Transformers toys come in a range of options, with some series more valuable due to their age and popularity among fans. G1 toys like Optimus Prime Pepsi edition and Jetfire can sell for up to $25,000. Starscream and other G1 Transformers are also highly sought after, with unique features like Perceptor's functional microscope.
Panerai Compass
Up to $23,800
On eBay, a Panerai Compass from 1984 is listed at a whopping $23,890 by CJ Charles Jewelers. The item comes with the original black nylon strap, GPF buckle, and box.
U.S. quarter with errors
Up to $21,000
A US quarter from 1983 may not seem worth all that much—but if you spot one with a printing error, it could make you a whole lot righer. On Etsy, one such quarter with a smudged "In God We Trust" is listed for $21,000.
Star Wars Medical Droid FX-7 Action Figure
Up to $12,000
FX-7 appeared briefly in Empire Strikes Back, helping Luke after Han rescued him. Before its release, Palitoy FX-7 figure was priced at $100 second-hand, but original painting sold for $12,000.
Thundercats Lion-O Action Figure
Up to $6,000
The Thunderwings Lion-O in mint condition, part of the Thundercats collection, is the priciest figure, costing collectors a hefty $6,000. An unboxed figure in good condition can fetch between $800 and $1,400.
Garbage Pail Kids Trading Cards
Up to $5,000
Garbage Pail Kids are highly coveted by collectors, with certain cards fetching thousands based on rarity and condition. Complete sets or sealed packages can also sell for big money. Third-party grading, like PSA, is important for collectors. Cards with unique names or glossy finishes are more valuable.
Vintage Skateboards
Up to $5,000
Skateboards from the 1980s designed by Tony Hawk have become highly valuable due to their cultural significance, scarcity,and sentimental value. Their rarity further increases their worth, as original boards in good condition are becoming harder to find.
Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls
Up to $3,000
Cabbage Patch Kids dolls were a huge toy trend in the 1980s, known for their soft faces and adoption certificates. The dolls were so popular that they often caused shopping frenzies due to limited supply, becoming iconic in popular culture. Now, well-preserved dolls with original packaging and adoption papers are highly valuable as collectibles.
First Edition Dungeons & Dragons Books
Up to $3,000
The original D&D books from the 1980s are highly sought after today, especially after the success of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. The early editions in particular laid the foundation for modern RPGs, introducing players to immersive stories and teamwork.
Star Wars Comic Books (Marvel, Issue #1)
Up to $3,000
Marvel's Star Wars comic books, particularly the first issue, are highly valued today due to their nostalgic appeal. Star Wars 1 is the inaugural installment of the Star Wars Legends comic book series. Roy Thomas wrote it, with George Lucas providing the screenplay and story, and it was released on April 12, 1977.
Happy Holidays Barbie
Up to $2,000
The Happy Holidays Barbie was launched in 1988 and sparked an annual collection loved by collectors. High demand is driven by scarcity of well-preserved dolls in original packaging.
Sony Walkman (TPS-L2, First Edition)
Up to $2,000
The original Sony Walkman, the TPS-L2, released in 1979 revolutionized music consumption by introducing the first portable cassette player. This was the first time music lovers were able to enjoy music on the go.
1980s Apple Macintosh (Original Macintosh 128K)
Up to $2,500
Launched in January 1984, the 128k Macintosh introduced the Graphic User Interface to personal computers, ushering in the future of home computing. It was the first model with a 3.5" floppy disk drive and its travel case increases its value as a collector's item, selling for over $2,000 on eBay.
He-Man Action Figures
Up to $2,500
span style=" font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">He-Man's influence on culture is vast, dominating the toy industry. The rarity of mint-condition figures has increased their value, as many were used or discarded over the years. The original figures' intricate designs make them desirable for collectors, driving up prices as high as $2,500 for well-preserved items.
Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby
Up to $5,000
Production error resulted in only 2,000 dark royal blue "Peanut" elephants. They then became highly sought after Beanie Babies, with prices up to $5,000. Other valuable versions include Humphrey and Princess Diana.
The Original Monopoly Board Game
Up to $147,000
In 2011, an original hand-drawn oilcloth Monopoly board from 1933, owned by Charles Darrow, the game's inventor, was sold at Sotheby's auction house for $146,500, almost twice its predicted value. Even if you don't own a rare version of the game, vintage editions from the 1930s have been sold for $3,125 and limited editions fetch hundreds on eBay.
Lucianomarq, Wikimedia Commons
