5 Valuable 1970s Items That Could Be Worth Big Money Today. Although many people think that anything older than 20 years is “vintage,” the phrase usually conjures up ideas of things like metal toys or vinyl records rather than Beanie Babies. You can be sitting on a treasure trove of priceless artifacts from the past if you have purposefully or inadvertently hoarded old treasures.
Notable for its avant-garde music, daring fashion, and technological advancements, the 1970s in particular was a decade that saw significant change. Because they are rare and induce nostalgia, items from this era are highly sought after. The value of your limited-edition comic books, Boy Scout mementos, or antique toys might surprise you. You might be undervaluing the hidden gems in your basement or attic, since collectors and aficionados are willing to pay top cash for original, well-preserved 1970s antiques. Let’s examine some of the priceless treasures from the 1970s that you might have hidden away.
Vintage Apple Computers
With the introduction of the Apple I in 1976, Apple began to have an impact on personal computers in the 1970s. The Apple I, developed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, was a revolutionary device that signaled the start of the technological revolution. When it was first debuted in 1977, the Apple II cost about $1,300, but today it may fetch over $6,600. It can be worthwhile to sell your old Apple I or II if it’s in good shape and still has its original parts, such as the keyboard, display, and casing. At auction, original Apple I computers can sell for an incredible $220,000, especially if they are in good working order or still in their original packaging.
Classic Video Games
The video gaming industry began in the 1970s, with systems and games that are now highly sought-after collectibles. One of the most recognizable early gaming systems was the Atari 2600, which made its debut in 1977. Your old video games from this time period can be worth a lot of money. For instance:
- Space Invaders (Atari 2600, 1978): $75 to $1,450
- Pong (Atari Pong C-100, 1972): $100 to $150
- Asteroids (original arcade machine, 1979): $1,200
Rare Atari games and consoles in good condition can fetch thousands of dollars from collectors, so if you’ve kept these around, their value could range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Iconic Toys
With the rise of culturally significant products like Star Wars figures, the 1970s were a toy heyday. Following the 1977 debut of Star Wars, the toys gained immediate popularity, and the value of some of the rarest figures has increased dramatically. For example:
- Only a few of the Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Prototype (1979) were produced, and one of them brought $204,435 at auction.
- In 2018, an Obi-Wan Kenobi with a Double-Telescoping Lightsaber (1977) brought $76,000.
- Double-Telescoping Darth Vader (1977): At auction, one of these figures brought $24,500.
Due to their ongoing cultural significance, original, rare figures in mint condition—especially in their original packaging—are highly sought-after collectibles that can command exorbitant prices.
Vintage Fashion
With classic items created by renowned designers like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Halston, Bob Mackie, and Gucci, the fashion of the 1970s is still relevant today. Should you possess any well-preserved 1970s vintage clothing, its value could be high. These high-end designers’ creations can cost anything from several hundred to thousands of dollars. Making money off of your vintage clothing could be achieved by selling it online or on secondhand marketplaces like Thredup.
Retro Electronics
The emergence of personal electronics in the 1970s also altered how we consumed entertainment. The Sony Walkman TPS-L2, which came out in 1979, is among the most recognizable gadgets from the late 1970s. These days, they sell for up to $2,300 on websites like eBay. The Sony Trinitron color TVs and other vintage devices are likewise highly prized, sometimes fetching $1,000 or more. Verify the resale value of any outdated equipment before discarding them to see if you may earn some additional money.
Conclusion
The 1970s provided us with a lot of priceless and sentimental objects. Some of your old possessions can be worth more than you realize, regardless of whether you are a collector or are just hoarding items from your past. For years to come, collectors will continue to respect these jewels and hold them in high esteem, so keep an eye out for them.