When you were a kid, what were some of your favorite pastimes? Did you break out the Nintendo 64 and play Mario Kart or Legend of Zelda? Maybe you spent days putting together a LEGO Millennium Falcon or trading Pokémon cards with friends.
As nostalgic as these childhood toys might be, they may have a monetary worth far more significant than you’d expect. Toys, dolls, and games that once cost $20 could be worth hundreds now.
If you’ve ever wondered “how much are vintage toys worth,” then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll dig up some valuable toys and show how much money they’re worth. As a bonus, you’ll have a fun nostalgia trip, too.
Mario Kart 64
Do you remember the seizing panic you had when a blue shell came for you right at the finish line? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people remember the fun they had racing through Rainbow Road.
In fact, they’re willing to pay decent money to relive this experience. If you have a copy of this cartridge in top condition and its original packaging, you could auction the game for upwards of $100.
Game Boys
Another staple of the 90s and early 00s is the Nintendo Gameboy. The Gameboy existed in several models. The earliest models were black and white, and later models (like the Gameboy Advance SP) featured color.
The older the Gameboy, the more money it’s worth. You can get even more for your Gameboy if it’s in the original manufacturer’s sealed packaging. At most, you might make up to $300. That’s not a bad chunk of change!
The real money in Gameboys, though, is found in the rare special editions. For instance, the Golden Legend of Zelda Minish Cap Gameboy can earn you several thousands of dollars.
Pokémon Cards
When the Pokémon anime premiered in 1997, it soon became a worldwide phenomenon. Although Pokémon cards existed as early as thirty years before, they gained traction and popularity through this show.
Through the decades, thousands of cards remain in circulation throughout the world. Believe it or not, people will pay thousands of dollars for some card collections.
In fact, certain cards remain intensely popular. Thanks to the anime series, Pikachu cards enjoy a particular prominence. Some of the most valuable cards, such as the Pikachu Illustrator variation, could fetch up to a few thousand dollars.
Star Wars Action Figures
To discuss this vintage toy’s value, we have to go back to the 1970s. In 1978, a story set in a galaxy far, far away became one of the most enduring franchises the world ever saw.
Unsurprisingly, when Star Wars first debuted, several action figures accompanied the release of the films. Kids could enjoy re-enacting the movie with Darth Vader, Storm Trooper, and Luke Skywalker action figures.
Of all these figures, the 1978 Luke Skywalker remains the most valuable. If you own this action figure and its original packaging, you may be sitting on a small fortune.
A Japanese collector auctioned off his ’78 Luke Skywalker for an even $25,000 in 2015. As you can tell, diehard fans will spend copious amounts of cash to own this piece of memorabilia.
The 1959 Barbie Doll
Barbie dolls are perhaps the most recognizable doll in the world. Girls have gone crazy for Barbie dolls ever since their debut, giving them distinguished popularity.
As you know, hundreds of Barbie doll models currently exist. However, one model could earn you several thousand dollars. The 1959 Barbie doll, dressed in her black and white swimwear and a pair of high heels, can fetch up to $23,000.
Distinguished Books
Some books make an impression on readers that they’ll never forget. If you happen to have rare first editions of these books, their monetary value equals their sentimental value.
Let’s take Where the Wild Things Are, for instance. A first edition 1963 copy could go on auction for $25,000. Another much-beloved children’s book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, can earn even more.
Only 500 first edition copies of Rowling’s first book exist. Of those 500, 300 remain in libraries. The other 200 remain elsewhere in the world, identifiable by the fact that they list Joanne Rowling as the author.
If you happen to have one of those 200 on your bookshelf, it might be worth over $30,000! Check your Harry Potter collection now, just in case.
Comic Books
With the rise of the Avengers films over the past decade, comics are all the rage among many circles. As such, if you have a broad comic collection, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
Many people wouldn’t believe how much some collectors will pay for comic books. Nevertheless, comics could be one of the most valuable things you own. For instance, the comic that first debuted Superman was Action Comics 1. This comic sold for over 3 million dollars at auction in 2014.
Beanie Babies
No list of toys worth money would be complete without a mention of Beanie Babies. These adorable stuffed bears found a place in the hearts of kids everywhere, coming in various designs and color schemes.
Most Beanie Babies won’t get you more than a few dollars on eBay. However, some rare variations exist that could earn you hundreds or thousands of dollars. The most valuable Beanie Baby is Large Wallace and his Squad, which can fetch you up to $600,000.
If you suspect you might have a valuable Beanie Baby, find an appraiser who can confirm this for you. Your bank account might grow exponentially if you can prove you’re right!
Discover Your Valuable Toys
As you can see, childhood toys are more than treasured mementos of old times. They can also serve as investments, bringing you money you’d never see otherwise.
If you remember playing with, reading, or owning any of the things we’ve mentioned in this article, track them down. Call your parents or grandparents to see if they have them. If you can find them, you can sell them online and bring in a tremendous cash flow.
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