Surprisingly valuable things from the year you were born
lovemoney staff
17 May 2018
Toys and other collectables from your childhood that sell for big bucks today
Wonder which toy or other collectable from your birth year is worth a fortune today? The answer may surprise you. Read on to see.
1946 – The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien First Edition, Fourth Impression: $6,000 (£4.4k)
Boomer bookworms may want to check their attic for dusty old copies of The Hobbit. A fourth impression copy of the first edition of Tolkien's much-loved classic is worth up to $6,000 (£4.4k) in mint condition.
1947 – Lionel 675 Locomotive: $1,000 (£737)
Lionel is famed for its model railways and the 675 locomotive, which was launched in 1947, is especially sought after. Collectors will pay up to $1,000 (£737) and sometimes more for a working specimen.
1948 – B. F. Goodrich 24 Hour Tire Service Wagon Pedal Car: $3,750 (£2.8k)
This fun B. F. Goodrich pedal car was the number one request in many a letter to Santa during the late 1940s. Rust-free models, which are few and far between, command high prices at auction, fetching anything up to $3,750 (£2.8k).
1949 – Atomic Robot Man: $1,000 (£737)
Reproductions of this Japanese wind-up tin robot abound, but the original 1949 specimens are scarce and valuable – a real-deal postwar Atomic Robot Man with its box realised just under $1,000 (£737) in an eBay auction in October 2017.
1950 – Yonezawa Atom #8 Friction Tinplate Racing Car: $2,000 (£1.5k)
Staying with Japanese toys, this tin racing car by Yonezawa, Japan's leading postwar toy maker, is a favourite among collectors. A #8 version from 1950 is worth up to $2,000 (£1.5k) in good condition.
1951 – Fender Broadcaster: $16,650 (£12.3k)
Guitar collectors will part with ridiculous sums of money to get hold of the most desirable vintage instruments. This stunning 1951 Fender Broadcaster went for $16,650 (£12.3k) on eBay in December 2017.
1952 – Topps Baseball Mickey Mantle #331 Trading Card: $1.13 million (£834k)
Topps Mickey Mantle #331 is hands-down the holy grail of baseball trading cards. In November 2016, a mint condition example from 1952 realised an astronomical $1.13 million (£834k) at a Heritage Auction sale in Dallas. Yes, you did read that correctly.
1953 – Marc Toys Rex Mars Planet Patrol Ray Gun: $1,700 (£1.3k)
Moneyed sci-fi geeks were falling over themselves to bid for this 1953 toy ray gun when it came up for auction on eBay last November. In the end, the ray gun went for just over $1,700 (£1.3k), a snip at the price.
1954 – Levi's 501 First Edition: $2,000 (£1.5k)
An absolute must for any serious Levi's collector, the typical mint condition pair of first edition 501s from 1954 is worth upwards of $2,000 (£1.5k). The iconic jeans feature the big 'E' on the red Levi's label.
1955 – Action Comics Superman #201: $3,400 (£2.5k)
Born in 1955? Bet you wish you got a stash of Superman comics for your first Christmas. Higher grade copies of Action Comics Superman #201 go for around $3,400 (£2.5k), and sometimes more at auction.
1956 – Tonka Toys Aerial Ladder Fire Truck: $1,000 (£737)
Tonka trucks sold like hot cakes during the 1950s. The rarer models are, as you'd expect, the most valuable. They include this tricky to find 1956 aerial ladder fire truck, which sold for $1,000 (£737) on eBay in December 2017.
1957 – Topps Basketball Bill Russell #77 Trading Card: $23,000+ (£17k+)
Another seriously in-demand trading card, this particularly pristine example of the Topps Basketball Bill Russell #77 card from 1957 realised over $23,000 (£17k) at a PWCC Auctions sale in Oregon last November.
1958 – Tipp & Co Silver Racer Motorcycle & Sidecar: $2,400 (£1.8k)
Tin toys manufactured by Western German toymaker Tipp & Co during the late 1950s are held in high esteem by collectors. Last November for instance, this Silver Racer toy sold for $2,400 (£1.8k) at auction.
1959 – First Edition Barbie: $28,000 (£20.7k)
Barbie debuted in 1959 and the glamorous doll was soon flying off the shelves. While not overly rare, the best originals can fetch up to $28,000 (£20.7k) at auction. As a guide, first-edition Barbies feature holes in the bottom of the feet, which are absent on later models.
1960 – Koyo Batjet: $7,000 (£5.1k)
In 2017, this Japanese-made Batman & Robin plane, which is modelled on a vintage Douglas DC-8, sold at auction for a cool $7,000 (£5.1k), mainly on account of its rarity – only two are known to be in existence.
1961 – Matchbox Magirus Deutz Crane: $13,000 (£9.6k)
Plenty of 1960s kids were gifted Matchbox toys, but very few would have been lucky enough to get the Magirus Deutz Crane. Super-rare, mint condition specimens now sell for up to $13,000 (£9.6k) a pop.
1962 – Strat-O-Matic Baseball: $1,600 (£1.2k)
Vintage Strat-O-Matic board games are extremely collectable. A 1962 example went under the hammer for $1,600 (£1.2k) in November, despite missing several pieces. Complete, mint condition versions are even more valuable.
1963 – Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak First Edition: $25,000 (£18.4k)
If you grew up in the 1960s, here's hoping you were gifted a first edition copy of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. A mint condition example recently fetched $25,000 (£18.4k) at auction.
1964 – Bronson Products Beatles Shampoo: $3,800 (£2.8k)
One of the quirkier items of Beatles memorabilia, this shampoo was a must for fans wanting to copy the Fab Four's famous hairstyles. Now hard to come by, a rare boxed example sold for $3,800 (£2.8k) at a Heritage Auctions sale in November.
1965 – Ideal Comic Heroines Supergirl Action Figure: $1,500+ (£1.1k+)
Ideal's Comic Heroine action figures are highly collectable. They include this Supergirl action figure from 1965, which is worth around $1,500 (£1.1k). Boxed mint condition specimens are even more valuable.
1966 – Yanoman Bat Tank: $7,000 (£5.1k)
Another Japanese-made Batman-themed toy, this Yanoman Bat Tank was listed on eBay last October and ended up selling for a not too shabby $7,000 (£5.1k), despite showing signs of rust and minor damage.
1967 – Ideal Comic Heroines Wonder Woman Action Figure: $5,200 (£3.8k)
Though the Supergirl action figure from 1965 is valuable enough, the Ideal Comic Heroines Wonder Woman figure, which was launched in 1967, commands higher prices at auction, selling for up to $5,200 (£3.8k).
1968 – Schwinn Stingray Kool Orange Krate Bike: $3,000 (£2.2k)
If you were fortunate enough to have been gifted a Schwinn Stingray bike during the Swinging Sixties, let's hope you held onto it. The orange version for instance is worth up to $3,000 (£2.2k) in good condition.
1969 – Aurora U.S. Navy Sealab III: $1,000 (£737k)
Aurora made some of the most popular model kits of the 1960s, and the company's U.S. Navy Sealab III was coveted by many a child. These days, collectors will shell out $1,000 (£737) for a factory-sealed example.
1970 – Sid & Marty Pufnstuf Doll: $1,000 (£737k)
Merch from Sid & Marty Kroff's Pufnstuf TV show attracts surprisingly high prices at auction. This mint condition doll, which has retained all its bits and pieces, recently sold for a hefty $1,000 (£737k) on eBay.
1971 – Penn-PLAX Creature from the Black Lagoon: $2,000 (£1.5k)
Remember getting this for your fish tank in the 1970s? Rocking bags of retro appeal, this rare Creature from the Black Lagoon aquarium figure is worth up to $2,000 (£1.5k) boxed and in mint condition.
1972 – Kenner Blythe Doll: $2,500 (£1.8k)
With their psychedelic maxi dresses and hippy hair, Kenner's Blythe Dolls scream early 1970s. Boxed dolls in good condition are on the rare side. When they come up for auction, they can sell for up to $2,500 (£1.8k).
1973 – Mego Superman Action Figure: $1,400 (£1k)
If you recall receiving this Mego Superman action figure for Christmas 1973, get searching for it now. A pristine boxed example realised just under $1,400 (£1k) in an eBay auction last October.
1974 – Hot Wheels Blue Rodger Dodger: $8,000 (£5.9k)
The rarer Hot Wheels cars are highly sought-after, and collectors will pay through the nose for the most scarce models. These include the Blue Rodger Dodger from 1974. Only seven were made and each one is worth at least $8,000 (£5.9k).
1975 – Ideal Evel Knievel Canyon Rig: $1,600 (£1.2k)
Legendary stunt performer Evel Knievel had his very own range of merch, which included his eponymous Canyon Rig. A mint example of the set, which comes with a pick-up truck, camper pod and more, went for $1,600 (£1.2k) on eBay in 2017.
1976 – Mego Riddler Action Figure: $2,500 (£1.8k)
Another Mego World's Greatest Super-Heroes! action figure you wish you found under the tree and never opened, this rare Riddler from 1976 is worth up to a massive $2,500 (£1.8k) boxed and sealed.
1977 – Atari 2600: $1,000 (£737)
The world's first mass-market video-games console, the Atari 2600 was launched in 1977. Though millions were sold, very few factory-sealed models remain, and these days collectors will pay $1,000 (£737) for a sealed, boxed specimen.
1978 – Kenner Star Wars Luke Skywalker Action Figure: up to $25,000 (£18.4k)
One of only 20 examples, this boxed Luke Skywalker action figure from 1978 fetched $25,000 (£18.4k) at a Sotheby's auction in 2015. The figure was part of Japanese designer Nigo's enviable Star Wars collection.
1979 – Mickey Mouse Softhead Pez Dispenser: $7,000 (£5.1k)
Remember getting one of these cheap throwaway candy dispensers? Pez collectors can't get enough of them and the most desirable examples realise thousands of dollars at auction these days – this 1979 Mickey Mouse version is worth up to $7,000 (£5.1k).
1980 – Kenner Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Boba Fett's Slave 1 Spaceship: $1,500 (£1.1k)
Back to old school Stars Wars merch, which tends of course to be super-valuable, this boxed Kenner Empire Strikes Back Boba Fett's Slave 1 Spaceship recently went under the hammer for no less than $1,500 (£1.1k).
1981 – Lego Legoland Fire Station: $1,000 (£737)
The more obscure vintage Lego sets have appreciated handsomely over the years, and make for savvy investments. This Fire Station from 1981 recently sold at auction for just under $1,000 (£737).
1982 – Commodore 64: $1,200 (£884)
The best-selling computer of all time, the Commodore 64 debuted in 1982 and sold in the millions. Although existing copies are ubiquitous, boxed mint condition models go for up to $1,200 (£884) on eBay and similar auction sites.
1983 – A-Team Van: up to $700 (£516k)
A-Team merch sold by the truckload throughout much of the 1980s. The toy version of the van from the TV show regularly realises $200 (£147) at auction these days, and the rarer 1983 version can go for up to $700 (£516k).
1984 – He-Man She-Ra Princess of Power and Swift Wind: up to $4,000 (£2.9k)
One of the most popular TV shows of the 1980s for kids, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe inspired an enormous range of action figures and other toys. This She-Ra action figure set was recently listed on eBay for $4,000 (£2.9k).
1985 – ThunderCats Thunderwings Lion-O action figure: $8,000 (£5.9k)
He-Man rival show ThunderCats spawned a competing line of merch during the 1980s. The most desirable piece for collectors is the Thunderwings Lion-O action figure. A mint condition example in its box is worth up to $8,000 (£5.9k).
1986 – American Girl Molly Doll: up to $5,000 (£3.7k)
Released in 1986, the American Girl Molly Doll was retired in 2013, and fans of the brand will part with silly sums of money to add one to their collection. Boxed Molly Dolls in mint condition from the 1980s realise up to $5,000 (£3.7k) at auction.
1987 – My Little Pony Rapunzel: up to $1,000 (£737)
My Little Pony Rapunzel was a mail order-only model, but it isn't super-rare, and there's a chance you may have one somewhere if you collected the dolls back in the day. This particularly pony fetches up to $1,000 (£737) at auction these days.
1988 – Original Nike Air Jordan III: $3000 (£2.2k)
The first Air Jordan to rock the clear air bubble and Jumpman logo, Nike's third version of the iconic basketball shoe was released in 1988. Collectors will pay a premium to bag a pair in good condition, sometimes shelling out as much as $3,000 (£2.2k).
1989 – Sega Genesis/Mega Drive 1: $2,100 (£1.5k)
More than 30 million units of Sega Genesis console, known as the Sega Mega Drive in Europe, were sold during the 1990s, but the original Sega Genesis 1 is rarer and an unused model in its box went for just under $2,100 (£1.5k) on eBay in 2017.
1990 – Original Nintendo Game Boy: $1,800 (£1.3k)
Millions of 1990s kids owned a Nintendo Game Boy and while used models are ten-a-penny, factory-sealed original Game Boys from 1989 or 1990 are worth up to $1,800 (£1.3k) each these days.
1991 – Hasbro Transformers Optimus Prime action figure: $8,000 (£9k)
You may find this hard to believe, but hardcore Transformers collectors will part with thousands of dollars for a factory-sealed Optimus Prime action figure from 1991. Not long ago, a pristine example sold on eBay for just under $8,000 (£9k).
1992 – Polly Pocket Lucy Locket Carry N Play Dream Home: $570 (£420)
The ultimate piece for Lucy Locket fans, the Carry N Play Dream Home was released in 1992. These days, the in-demand toy carries a premium, and aficionados of the brand will pay anything up to $570 (£420) for a boxed example.
1993 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Scratch action figure: $1,100 (£810)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles merch was everywhere in the 1990s, and much of it isn't worth an awful lot of money today, but the less common action figures achieve sky-high prices at auction, including this rare Scratch figure, which sells for up to $1,100 (£810).
1994 – Super NES The Flintstones: The Surprise at Dinosaur Peak: $2,000 (£1.5k)
The rarer Super NES games are majorly in demand. This almost impossible to find Flintstones game from 1994 recently sold for $2,000 (£1.5k) at auction, and other obscure titles command even higher prices.
1995 – Super NES Mega Man X: $5,100 (£3.8k)
They include the revered Mega Man X. A cult classic, collectors will fall over themselves to snap up a copy, especially if it's in mint condition. In fact, a factory-sealed example sold for $5,100 (£3.8k) on eBay last November.
1996: Rare Tamagotchi: $3,000 (£2.2k)
As rare as hen's teeth, this unique white and red Tamagotchi from 1996 sold for $3,000 (£2.2k) at auction last year. Limited edition Tamagotchis are the most valuable, but even the more common mass-produced virtual pets can sell for a few hundred dollars a piece, as long as they're in good working order.
1997 – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling First Edition: $81,250 (£60k)
One of only 500 copies printed by Bloomsbury, a first edition of JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone book sold for a staggering $81,250 (£60k) at a Heritage Auctions event in Dallas last September.
1998 – Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby: $5,000 (£3.7k)
Millions of Beanie Baby toys were sold during the 1990s and while most of them are worth very little, the more unusual examples can go for thousands of dollars at auction. This rare Peanut Royal Blue Elephant Beanie Baby is thought to have a value pushing $5,000 (£3.7k).
1999 – Star Wars: The Queen's Gambit: $1,000 (£737)
This out-of-production board game debuted in 1999 to coincide with the release of Stars Wars: The Phantom Menace. Highly sought after, mint condition copies of the game are worth up to $1,000 (£737) today.
2000 – Pokemon Rocket First Edition Dark Charizard Trading Card: $1,000 (£737)
Original Pokemon trading cards can be worth jaw-dropping sums of money. This Dark Charizard card from 2000, for instance, has a value approaching $1,000 (£737), and other more obscure cards are even more pricey.
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