Got a bunch of old toys, technology, or kitchenware collecting dust in your attic? Certain items from the 1970s that might seem like relics today are actually now pretty valuable collectibles. Collectability, rarity, condition, and the presence of original packaging have bumped some secondhand items from the 1970s to be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Not every old item out there is worth a fortune, but prices depend on the model and condition. Below, here are 20 items from the 1970s that are worth more than $500 for a rare example.
1. Original Sony Walkman
The Sony Walkman TPS-L2 (1979) revolutionised portable music consumption and established a long-lasting tradition. The first-ever cassette player with portable features entered the market in 1979 and became an iconic consumer electronics product. Original working units with working headphones and accessories are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch upward of $800 -$1500.
2. Kenner Star Wars Action Figures
The figures from the initial Star Wars collection, introduced in the late 1970s, are still highly desired by collectors. While a mint in box version of the figures may fetch a few hundred dollars, those in pristine condition and in original packaging may reach prices in the thousands of dollars. Some of the higher demand figures, such as Luke Skywalker or Boba Fett, are particularly valuable when in original packaging.
3. Ceramic Christmas Trees
So many of the bright and colorful ceramic Christmas trees you once kept in your living room may actually be worth more than you think. The trend for ceramic Christmas trees was big in the 1970s, and many had tiny, colorful plastic bulbs on them. Collectors pay premium prices for trees made by companies like Atlantic Mold, which can sell for thousands of dollars for a large unbroken tree.
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4. Polaroid SX-70 Cameras
What makes it desirable: The SX-70 was known for being one of the first instant cameras that could fold down easily, making it popular among travelers as well as being a stable camera with practical use. Vintage camera lovers will also be captivated by its unique vintage style. An in top condition model can cost around $500-700.
5. Stretch Armstrong
A super-strong toy version of a professional wrestler, the Stretch Armstrong toy was first released in 1976. Each toy had a stretchy gel body, and years of abuse by children had left many broken figures and their intact counterparts prized by collectors. Unbroken original versions that have their boxes can fetch up to $2,800.
6. Vintage Pyrex Nesting Bowls
Patterned Pyrex bowls were common in most kitchens. These pattern names such as Butterprint, Gooseberry and Turquoise have interested collectors of vintage kitchenware. Full nesting sets in top condition can sell for over $500. Chips, cracks, missing bowls, and faded color can greatly diminish the value.
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7. Original Ligne Roset Togo Furniture
The Togo sofa and chair gained infamy during the 1970s for a laidback, flat presentation of furniture form. Original Togo sets are still sought after by vintage furniture and interior designers. The genuine vintage Togo’s can command high prices in the thousands of dollars, particularly when their condition and materials lend truth to their origins.
8. Vintage PEZ Dispensers
PEZ dispensers can be worth a fortune, especially those from the 1970s (e.g. Soft Head Captain Hook, all sorts of weird fruit characters, etc). These have recently been hot at auction, with buyers reportedly paying 1,000- 3,000 for some versions, depending on the character, condition and authenticity.
9. First-Press Vinyl Records
Rare original vinyl pressings of releases from the 1970s hold value. David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs (including the early gatefold cover version) and rare singles by the Sex Pistols are just two examples of records the collectors are interested in. Some sought-after records can fetch thousands of dollars, depending on the pressing and condition.
10. Atari 2600 VCS Consoles
About 4,000,000 Atari 2600s were sold. These helped make video gaming popular in the 1980s. You could sell Atari 2600 video game systems for hundreds, especially if you still have the packaging, or for thousands if the game cartridge is still sealed, more if all of the parts are still together, including the box and all wires.
11. Vintage Designer Purses
Bags from Coach 1970 collections along with similar lines from Gucci and Chanel draw interest from prospective purchasers. Some, such as the Coach 9170, fetch above $500 in top condition. Since resale value depends on the designer label, style, material type, provenance, and the state of the item itself, examine all of these features prior to attempting to ascertain an item’s value.
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12. Mego Superhero Action Figures
Mego action figures, many of which have interchangeable parts as well as well-known superheroes. Few are highly collectible, especially rare figures or boxed sets with several characters. Some highly collectible figures have reportedly sold for as much as $1,000 to more than $7,000, as long as they include original packaging and accessories.
13. Corning Ware Blue Cornflower Sets
The Blue Cornflower collection of Corning Ware cookware was once a common sight in kitchens. Today, collectors should seek out specific items and sets that are well-preserved. Certain rare items and entire sets can be extremely valuable, but in general, Corning Ware items don’t have any value because of their age.
14. Retro Concert Tees
Original concert shirts by big name 1970s rock bands are desirable for music and fashion collectors. Shirts associated with Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and other bands are especially popular when they’re authentic and unusual. Limited concert and crew shirts can be worth $500 or more depending on their provenance and condition.
15. Topper Dawn Dolls
Dawn dolls are a size mini fashion doll that came out in the early 1970s. The miniature size and clothes made them unique among the larger fashion dolls. Some rare and boxed examples are highly collectible and even sell for over $500.
16. Vintage Electric Typewriters
For collectors of vintage office supplies and typewriters, 1970s electric typewriters can be interesting. Olympia, Smith Corona, Royal, and other older brands can attract collector interest, especially for vintage items in the best condition. Some expensive, rare models may command prices of more than $500, depending on working condition and collector demand.
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17. Metal Character Lunch boxes
For years, metal lunchboxes with characters from different movies and TV shows were a staple for schoolchildren throughout the 1970s. Put away your clean, matching sets of thermoses that came with the lunchboxes and you’ll have a rare item, as well as eye appeal. Properties like The Addams Family, Nancy Drew and Star Wars can bring high prices.
18. Levi’s Orange Tab Jeans
Original jeans made during the ’70s and branded with the Levi’s Orange Tab are now highly collectible vintage clothing. Like other vintage jeans, its value can be determined by details such as wash, size, condition, and style. Some popular styles can fetch anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, if authentic vintage denim.
19. First Edition Paperbacks
Book collectors may also seek rare books, especially the earliest editions, of popular novels of the 1970s, such as Stephen King’s Carrie (1974) or The Shining (1977). If a book is rare and in perfect condition, it can command hundreds to thousands of dollars in the collectors’ market; that is, if you know how to identify the printing, format, and condition.
20. Lincoln Memorial Mistake Pennies
Certain Lincoln Memorial Cents from 1970 to 1972 may have a value greater than face value, as certain coin issues from that time were struck with minting errors. Verified varieties of minting errors can bring higher value to the coin, as are certain doubled-die varieties. Each date for each small-date penny must be carefully identified and graded.
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Conclusion
The 70s manufactured plenty of items that are now highly desirable collectibles, including cool computers, stylish chairs, toys, records and kitchen appliances. Some items can fetch more than $500, and especially rare items can be worth thousands. But it’s not just the age of items that determines their value. Collecting details, original packaging, condition and collector interest will all influence the selling price of items. So before you toss out your old cabinets, take a look at the model numbers, do some research and, if needed, ask an appraiser. You never know what might be a hidden treasure.
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