Five surprisingly valuable old items you could have at home that are worth thousands

Old toys could be worth a small fortune

GETTY
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 09/10/2023

- 16:30

Your home could be full of valuable items you may not know about

Many homeowners will hold onto old toys and household products, even when they no longer have use for them.

It could be worth dusting these off as some old products are potentially worth thousands.


VHS tapes

Most people will have VHS tapes tucked away from the 1980s and 1990s.

While most of these aren't worth a lot, rarer ones could be in high demand.

Collectables expert Tracy Martin said things like Disney, rock and pop concerts and classic movies have a collector following so could sell well.

VHS videos

Videos can be worth a lot

PEXELS

Any tapes with errors or that were limited editions could be worth hundreds, according to the expert.

She said: "Misprints, oddities and first release films that contain mistakes that were often erased in later releases are highly regarded by collectors.

"The 1978 release of Halloween by Media Home Video had the spelling mistake ‘Meda’ rather than Media, so can fetch upwards of £300.”

Happy Meal toys

Anyone who held on to old McDonald's toys could be set to cash in.

Guidelines were shared this year where an expert said toys in good condition and the original packaging could have a greater selling price.

Expert from antique website LoveAntiques.com Peter Jenkinson said three toys could be worth more than £300 if in the right condition.

These were the TY's Teenie Beanie Boos from 2000 (worth up to £338), Underwater Monsters from 1979 (£300.44) and Robots by Diener Keshi from 1979 (£300.44).

Beanie Babies

The soft toys were a staple in many homes and they could hold big value now.

Some are worth more than others and rare versions will sell for hundreds or even thousands of pounds online.

Beanie Babies

Some Beanie Babies are worth more than others

PA

In 2015, a couple who bought a limited edition Princess Diana Beanie Baby for £10 at a car boot sale, only to discover it was worth up to £60,000.

Commemorative coins

Limited edition coins are sometimes created to mark important events.

Rarer coins can sell for way more than face value, with some selling for thousands of pounds on auction sites, so it is worth checking what you have at home.

Video Games

Like VHS tapes, rarer, retro games and consoles could be worth a hefty sum.

Nintendo games from the 1980s and 1990s could be the most valuable, according to an auctioneer.

You may like