The ‘70s gave us disco, bell-bottoms, and some stuff that’s now worth a pile of cash. Those old toys, records, and kitchen gear you’ve got stashed away could be your next financial score. For money-minded readers like you, here are 11 items from that decade that could turn nostalgia into profit. Let’s check them out.
Star Wars Action Figures: Space Cash
Image Credit: Ewoks and AT-ST Drivers – CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons.
A 1978 Boba Fett with a firing rocket can hit $5,000–$25,000. Even loose figures like Darth Vader might grab $50–$200 if they’re in decent shape. In fact, one prototype Boba Fett sold for over $500,000 (Source: Smithsonian Magazine).
Rarity’s the trick. A $5 toy back then could flip for thousands now. Dig through your bins, list online, and cash in on that galaxy far, far away.
Vinyl Records: Sound Savings
Image Credit: Clem Onojeghuo/Unsplash.
A 1971 Led Zeppelin IV first press can fetch $500–$2,000. Even common ‘70s albums like Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours might pull $50–$150. Record condition, original sleeves, and pressing details can all affect value (Source: Goldsoundz).
Condition matters. A $3 record could sell for $300. Test it, sell smart, and turn your old grooves into a nice little windfall.
Vintage Pyrex: Kitchen Coin
Image Credit: Pyrex1 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
‘70s Pyrex—like a Lucky in Love set—can hit $500–$4,000. One rare piece even sold for over $22,000 (Source: WorthPoint). Single bowls in rare patterns might still snag $50–$200.
Collectors are hooked. A $10 piece could flip for $1,000. Clean it up, list it, and watch your cookware cook up some real money.
Star Wars Action Figures: Space Cash
Image Credit: Ewoks and AT-ST Drivers – CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons.
A 1978 Boba Fett with a firing rocket can hit $5,000–$25,000. Even loose figures like Darth Vader might grab $50–$200 if they’re in decent shape. In fact, one prototype Boba Fett sold for over $500,000 (Source: Smithsonian Magazine).
Rarity’s the trick. A $5 toy back then could flip for thousands now. Dig through your bins, list online, and cash in on that galaxy far, far away.
Vinyl Records: Sound Savings
Image Credit: Clem Onojeghuo/Unsplash.
A 1971 Led Zeppelin IV first press can fetch $500–$2,000. Even common ‘70s albums like Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours might pull $50–$150. Record condition, original sleeves, and pressing details can all affect value (Source: Goldsoundz).
Condition matters. A $3 record could sell for $300. Test it, sell smart, and turn your old grooves into a nice little windfall.
Vintage Pyrex: Kitchen Coin
Image Credit: Pyrex1 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
‘70s Pyrex—like a Lucky in Love set—can hit $500–$4,000. One rare piece even sold for over $22,000 (Source: WorthPoint). Single bowls in rare patterns might still snag $50–$200.
Collectors are hooked. A $10 piece could flip for $1,000. Clean it up, list it, and watch your cookware cook up some real money.
Atari 2600 Games: Pixel Profits
Image Credit: Prolete – CC0 /Wiki Commons.
A 1979 Space Invaders cartridge can grab $100–$500 in its box. Rare titles like Air Raid might even crack $3,000. For instance, a loose copy of Air Raid has been valued around $8,500, while complete versions can reach over $33,000 (Source: PriceCharting).
Gaming’s hot. A $20 game could sell for $400. Check condition, sell online, and let your old console games bank some cash.
Barbie Dolls: Plastic Payoff
Image Credit: Ovedc – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
A 1971 Quick Curl Barbie in the box can fetch $200–$600. Used ones might still get $50–$150 if they’re clean. For example, a vintage 1971 Quick Curl Barbie Miss America Beauty Center recently sold for around $50 (Source: eBay).
Nostalgia sells. A $10 doll could flip for $300. Find one, list it, and turn your playtime into a profitable payout.
Comic Books: Superhero Scores
Image Credit: Jllm06 – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.
A 1974 Wolverine debut in Hulk #181 can hit $1,000–$5,000. Lesser ‘70s issues might grab $50–$300 in good shape. Notably, a CGC 9.8 graded copy of Hulk #181 sold for $90,000 in April 2024 (Source: Heritage Auctions).
First appearances rule. A $0.25 comic could sell for $800. Grade it, sell it, and let your heroes stack your savings.
Hot Wheels: Wheeled Wealth
Image Credit: BenedictLiang – Own work – CC0/Wiki Commons.
A 1970s Redline Hot Wheels—like a pink Superfine Turbine—can pull $500–$3,000. Common ones might get $20–$100. Some rare models have been known to fetch up to £3,200 (approximately $4,000 USD) at auction (Source: The Sun).
Paint and wheels matter. A $1 car could flip for $1,000. Check your stash, sell online, and race to some quick cash.
Board Games: Playtime Payday
Image Credit: Geraldshields11 – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
A 1978 Dark Tower game with all pieces can fetch $200–$500. Simpler ones like Clue might still grab $20–$100. Complete and working versions of Dark Tower have sold for over $500 (Source: eBay).
Completeness wins. A $10 game could sell for $300. Open it, list it, and turn your old fun into a financial boost.
Posters: Wall Money
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A 1977 Star Wars premiere poster can hit $500–$2,000. Concert posters like a 1975 Stones tour might grab $100–$400. Original 1977 Star Wars posters have been appraised between $2,000 and $3,000 (Source: The Sun).
Condition’s key. A $5 poster could flip for $800. Frame it, sell it, and let your wall art work some profit.
Vintage Lunch Boxes: Packed Profits
Image Credit: bandita – CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons.
A 1976 Six Million Dollar Man lunch box can fetch $100–$300. Add a thermos, and it might hit $500. Some vintage lunch boxes from the ‘70s — especially those in good condition with the original thermos — have sold for hundreds online (Source: LoveToKnow).
Retro rules. A $5 box could sell for $200. Check for rust, list it, and turn your old lunch into a solid return.
Typewriters: Typed-Up Treasure
Image Credit: Hadi – CC0 /Wiki Commons.
A 1970s Olivetti in working order can grab $100–$400. Electric models like the IBM Selectric might push $500. Certain rare or stylish vintage models have even gone for $1,000+ depending on brand and functionality (Source: Apartment Therapy).
Old tech pays. A $30 find could flip for $300. Test the keys, sell online, and type your way to a nice little haul.
Alexander Clark is a financial writer with a knack for breaking down complex market trends and economic shifts. As a contributor to The Daily Overview, he offers readers clear, insightful analysis on everything from market movements to personal finance strategies. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for keeping up with the fast-paced world of finance, Alexander strives to make financial news accessible and engaging for everyone.
