These old items could net you new money.
An investment expert is urging cash-strapped Americans to check their basements and junk drawers to see whether they own forgotten books, gadgets, and games that are now worth a fortune.
“Most people throw away items that could pay for their retirement in just a few years,” Adam Koprucki, founder of Real World Investor. “The truth is, certain everyday objects sitting in your home might be worth more than your stock portfolio by 2030.”
Once-common items that have now become coveted and collectible include first-generation Apple products.
“The first-generation iPhone, released in 2007, sold for $499 new, but sealed examples now fetch upwards of $20,000 at auction,” Koprucki claimed. “By 2030, mint condition models could easily surpass $50,000.”
Sound too good to be true? It turns out that Kopruki’s estimate is actually conservative. Back in 2023, a first-generation 8-GB iPhone sold for an eye-popping $63,356.40 at auction.
Meanwhile, a super-rare 4-GB iPhone 1, also manufactured in 2007, sold for an astounding $190,372.80 in 2023.
The collectibles market in the US reached $62 billion in 2024 and shows no signs of slowing down, despite this year’s economic uncertainty, according to Grand View Research.
According to data obtained by the site, the US collectibles market is projected to reach $83.7 billion by 2030, growing at 5.3% annually.
Certain nostalgic items from the 1980s and 1990s have been fetching astronomical sums.
“Most people don’t realize that the Star Wars figures they played with as kids or the Pokémon cards they collected could now fund a house deposit,” Koprucki stated. “Original Transformers toys from the 1980s in sealed packaging can sell for up to $20,000 each. First-edition Harry Potter books that cost less than $20 new can fetch over $50,000 today.”
“The rarest Nintendo games from the 1980s and ‘90s can sell for over $100,000,” the expert added. “A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for $2 million in 2021, a game that originally retailed for about $30.”
Koprucki says you’re more likely to receive top dollar (up to “ten times more”) when the item is in its original packaging. However, don’t lose heart: items that look “as new” are also coveted.
If you happen across an item you believe could net you some serious cash, Korprucki advises you get it appraised before you post it for sale online.
“Online auction sites make it easier than ever to sell collectibles, but knowing exactly what you have is crucial to getting top dollar,” he implored.
