Surprising Collectors Items That Are Worth A Fortune Today

Everyone collects things throughout their life, whether they intend to or not. From toys to books to shoes, people gradually build up collections in their homes. While most of this stuff tends to never be that valuable, some items can increase in value quite significantly after a while.

It’s these things that usually end up on sites like eBay or get sold at auction and consequently generate quite a significant profit. Your closet or attic may well be home to a small goldmine, especially if you own any valuable collector’s items like these.

An original Easy-Bake Oven is worth several hundred more dollars than it used to

• Maker: Kenner Products
• Year: 1963
• Initial price: $15.95
• Worth now: $300

Before some people learned how to cook in a real kitchen, they practiced with an Easy-Bake Oven as a child. This toy was created by Kenner Products in 1963, at which time it was reportedly available for $15.95. If you or someone in your family owns the original, it’s now apparently worth a lot more money.

A vintage toy like this could apparently be worth around $300, although the value may differ depending on quality. Collectors just love owning an original product like this, especially with something that’s changed a lot over time. You don’t get Easy-Bake Ovens anymore that look like conventional ovens as the old ones did, complete with two 100-watt incandescent light bulbs.

A Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll from 1985 is one of the world’s most valuable toys

• Maker: Coleco Industries
• Year: 1985
• Initial price: $25
• Worth now: $2,000

Dolls have long been a popular toy for children, and there are so many different varieties to choose from. One that’s been around for decades now is Cabbage Patch Kids, which launched in the 1980s to immense success. There’d reportedly never been a more successful doll launch at the time, which might explain why they’re worth so much now.

One doll from that collection that’s apparently quite valuable is Teresa Ann. The model from 1985 was previously sold on eBay for $2,000, quite a difference from the $25 she apparently used to cost. Boasting a #3 head mold, soft body, green eyes, and signature, she’s now considered one of the world’s most valuable collector’s items.

The My Little Pony Princess Rapunzel toy was a crossover that’s now considered highly valuable

• Maker: Hasbro
• Year: 1987
• Initial price: $8.95
• Worth now: $2,000

Another toy line that’s been around since the 1980s is My Little Pony. Although the Hasbro toys have been through several rebrands, you can still see the connection between the original creations and the more modern updates. Of course, the newer ones don’t tend to be worth as much as the older ones, given that they’re still in production.

One of the rarest My Little Pony toys is apparently one that was created following a crossover with Rapunzel. This mail-order toy once set people back just $8.95, a contrast to the $2,000 it’s supposedly worth now. The rarity of this pony with extremely long multi-colored hair has turned it into quite a valuable collector’s item.

The Elvis Presley “love prediction” board game has become quite the collector’s item

• Maker: Teen-Age Games, Inc.
• Year: 1957
• Initial price: $1.50
• Worth now: $2,150

Considering how big Elvis Presley was during the height of his career, we suppose it’s no great shock that the singer had his own board game. The man’s many fans were willing to spend money on anything associated with him. So, Teen-Age Games decided to take advantage of that with a “game for the young at heart.”

Apparently, only a few of these games still exist, which is why something that was apparently once $1.50 is now allegedly worth over $2,000. While we doubt that Elvis Presley spent much time playing this “love prediction” board game, we’re sure that plenty of his adoring fans did. To them, $2,150 might seem like a reasonable price.

First-generation Tamagotchis have been selling online for plenty of money

• Maker: Bandai
• Year: 1996
• Initial price: $18
• Worth now: $2,250

There was once a time when Tamagotchis were everywhere. Without smartphones and tablets to keep children occupied, these techno toys proved to be a hit with many of them. While kids nowadays might not be that bothered about them, there are plenty of adults who are nostalgic for these egg-shaped devices and the weird creatures they spawned.

Some of the original Tamagotchis reportedly sell for quite significant figures on sites like eBay, with one reportedly going for $2,250. That’s a pretty big jump when you consider that these things reportedly cost $18 once upon a time. While newer models might not be as valuable, they could still potentially fetch a reasonable price if you own one.

A Pyrex casserole dish from the 1950s has become a surprisingly valuable collector’s item

• Maker: Pyrex
• Year: 1959
• Initial price: $15
• Worth now: $4,000

It can be expensive fitting out a kitchen with everything you need. However, something like a casserole dish shouldn’t cost you that much money. Of course, it all depends on when that casserole dish was made. If it’s from 1959 and is still in excellent condition, there’s no reason it won’t generate a price tag as high as $4,000.

That’s supposedly what some people have been selling their vintage Pyrex casserole dishes for online anyway. To be honest, if you’ve managed to keep one of these in excellent condition after over half a century, you probably deserve quite a significant payout. We just never anticipated that something like this would become one of the world’s most valuable collector’s items.

Samantha the American Girl Doll can set a collector back some $4,000

• Maker: Mattel
• Year: 1986
• Initial price: $89
• Worth now: $4,200

Some of the most popular dolls in the United States are American Girl dolls. These toys are special because each one has its own identity that makes them stand out. Considering they’re still going strong after first launching in 1986, it’s clear that they speak to multiple generations of kids. Apparently, they speak to collectors, too.

A doll like Samantha from 1986 can apparently sell for over $4,000 on auction sites. These dolls have never been particularly cheap and can cost hundreds nowadays if you throw in some accessories with your purchase. So, it’s no surprise that one of the original dolls from the ‘80s can be so valuable when it’s in good condition.

The Masters of the Universe Eternia playset has grown more popular over time

• Maker: Mattel
• Year: 1986
• Initial price: $19.99
• Worth now: $9,999

Mattel is responsible for so many of the toys that have defined people’s childhoods. The company is behind the likes of Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Funko, some of the most popular brands around. Out of all their many creations, one that stands out is the Masters of the Universe Eternia Playset. There’s a good reason for that.

This 1986 playset is reportedly the largest toy that Mattel has ever made, meaning it’s quite a special creation. Although it wasn’t particularly popular when it was released, it’s now become one of the most valuable collector’s items. It helps that He-Man and Skeletor are characters still thought about today, hence why this toy is allegedly worth $9,999.

The Care Bears “Cousins” pink monkey is one of the franchise’s rarest stuffed animals

• Maker: Kenner, Parker Brothers
• Year: 1983
• Initial price: $20
• Worth now: $10,000

The 1980s were a great time to be a kid. So many iconic toy brands had their start in this decade, with Care Bears being another. After originally being created as greetings card characters in ‘81, they were eventually turned into plush toys two years later. Some of those original stuffed bears can now apparently go for $10,000.

That’s certainly the case for the Care Bears “Cousins” pink monkey, which is apparently one of the franchise’s most valuable toys. The “Cousins” collection introduced toys of other animals, including the pink monkey. At the time, people reportedly only had to spend $20 to get their hands on one. Now, though, it’s one of the more valuable collector’s items.

“Hidden Mickey” pins were only given to Disney employees, hence why they’re rare

• Maker: Disney
• Year: 1971
• Initial price: $5.99
• Worth now: $12,000

There’s no shortage of Disney merchandise to keep kids and kids-at-heart satisfied. With the company continuing to pump out new films and TV shows that offer countless opportunities for products, that well is never going to dry up. Still, for some people, there’s no beating the classics, even if some of this merchandise is far from affordable.

An example of one of Disney’s more valuable collector’s items is the “Hidden Mickey” pins that were released in the 1970s. Cast members working at Disney reportedly received sets of these and were free to trade them if they so wished. Understandably, this has made them rare and thus quite valuable, with an alleged value now of $12,000.

A Superman lunchbox from the 1950s now costs a lot of lunch money

• Maker: Universal
• Year: 1953
• Initial price: $2.39
• Worth now: $13,225

There’s no undermining how useful a lunchbox can be, and not just when you’re a kid. However, no matter how good they might be to have around, there aren’t many people who would consider paying over $13,000 for one. That’s because not everyone is a collector interested in owning a Superman lunchbox from 1953.

Given how long ago these were made, finding such a lunchbox in good condition is tricky. That’s why it costs so much for someone to get their hands on one. If you love Superman and have the disposable income to afford such a fine collector’s item, we can understand why you’d want to buy one.

A 101 Dalmatians VHS sells for thousands if it’s the black diamond edition

• Maker: Disney, VHS
• Year: 1992
• Initial price: $25
• Worth now: $14,000

It’s been quite a while since anyone’s bought anything on VHS. The introduction of DVDs and later streaming has ensured that videotapes have now become redundant. However, that doesn’t mean they’re worthless. In fact, some of them can actually go for quite a significant price, thanks to their rarity. For example, the black diamond edition of ‘101 Dalmatians.’

Supposedly, you can sell this version of the Disney animated classic for $14,000. That’s what one person managed on eBay in 2021, and their copy of the tape wasn’t even in perfect condition. It was apparently all thanks to the black diamond on the side, which makes quite a few Disney video tapes worth big bucks.

McDonald’s “Mulan” Szechuan sauce was limited-edition and is therefore now worth a fortune

• Maker: McDonald’s
• Year: 1998
• Initial price: Free
• Worth now: $14,700

It seems that all sorts of weird and wonderful things can be considered valuable collector's items. Perhaps one of the strangest is a packet of Szechuan sauce from McDonald's. Years after someone left this in their car in 1998, they apparently went on to sell it for $14,700. Thankfully, it hadn't turned rotten in all that time.

The reason it made such a fortune was that it was a limited-edition sauce that was released in line with the Disney animated film 'Mulan.' It's also because the creators of the animated series 'Rick & Morty' created a buzz around McDonald's Szechuan sauce in 2017. Their petition to bring it back seemed to skyrocket people's interest in it.

Golden Lego bricks are seemingly worth their weight in gold at auction

• Maker: Lego
• Year: 1970s
• Initial price: Never sold
• Worth now: $19,793

Lego is one of the most accessible toys that can provide hours of entertainment for people of all ages. So, it’s probably not that surprising that a Lego brick is considered one of the most valuable collector’s items. Of course, we’re not just talking about any brick, but rather a golden one that recently went up for auction.

Reportedly made with 14-karat gold, these bricks were reportedly gifted to employees who had 25 years of experience with Lego. The one that was sold in the auction for an alleged $19,793 was apparently given to a German employee who’d improved the company’s selling software. The golden Lego brick was a thank-you gift that proved quite lucrative.

The iPod Classic has gone from a high-tech device to a valuable collector’s item

• Maker: Apple
• Year: 2001
• Initial price: $399
• Worth now: $20,000

Apple products are some of the best-selling in the world. However, while it can be expensive to buy the latest models, they're not much of a collector's item right now because they're so readily available. It will probably be a different story in 20 years' time once they're as rare as the iPod Classic is now.

When this gadget was released, it apparently boasted the tagline of "1,000 songs in your pocket." Newer technology means you can now have so much more than that on a current device, but that's not the point. The iPod Classic was discontinued a long time ago, and good-quality models are hard to find, hence why they're worth so much.

A model horse sold for thousands after its mold was intentionally destroyed

• Maker: Breyer Horses
• Year: 2008
• Initial price: $300 - $600
• Worth now: $22,000

The more care that someone puts into something, the more it's likely to be worth. It may take a while for its value to increase significantly, but it's bound to happen eventually. That certainly seems to be the case with some of the models made by Breyer Horses, with reports that one of them sold at auction for $22,000.

Of course, it wasn't just the hand-painted aspect of the "Alborozo" model that later made it worth so much more than its original value. It was also the destruction of the mold used to make these horses. With that gone, there wouldn't be any more models like this one, so collectors scrambled to get their hands on them.

A suffragette banner spent a decade hidden in a charity shop before selling for thousands

• Maker: Women’s Social & Political Union
• Year: 1903
• Initial price: $0.05 - $0.10
• Worth now: £20,000 ( approximately $24,200)

In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst and other female figures in the UK formed the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK. This played a significant role in helping to improve equality for women, including the power to vote. So, it stands to reason that anything associated with them, such as a banner, is bound to be worth something.

This banner, which provided the backdrop for plenty of Pankhurst’s speeches, had reportedly been hiding away in a British charity shop for a decade. It eventually went up for auction, and a collector bought it, although they later sold it to the People’s History Museum for £20,000 ($24,200). That’s quite a profit for one banner.

A signed first edition of Where the Wild Things Are is very exclusive indeed

• Maker: Harper & Row
• Year: 1963
• Initial price: $1.99
• Worth now: $25,000

There are some books that almost every kid encounters at some point during their childhood. ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ is one of them. Most people have read this text at some point in their lives, and it probably didn’t cost their parents much to do so. After all, when this book was released, it was only a few dollars.

However, as with any book, a first edition is more exclusive than what’s available in most bookstores. That’s especially the case if the text was signed, as one version of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ was. Following the passing of author Maurice Sendak, this book reportedly ended up selling for $25,000 because it was so special.

An original Superman action figure can sell for $25,000

• Maker: Novelty & Toys Co.
• Year: 1939
• Initial price: $1
• Worth now: $25,000

It’s not hard to find a piece of Superman merchandise nowadays. The superhero continues to be popular all these decades after flying into people’s lives, so all sorts of products are made in his image. That doesn’t mean that older versions of his merchandise aren’t worth something special, though, especially if they’re the first of their kind.

For instance, the first-ever action figure made of Superman apparently once sold for $25,000 at an auction. The toy was made back in 1939, meaning it’s the best part of a century old, but that simply made it more valuable in the eyes of the buyer. They considered this purchase more worthwhile than any new Superman merchandise.

An original Barbie doll that embodies old Hollywood glamor is far from cheap nowadays

• Maker: Mattel
• 1959
• Initial price: $3
• Worth now: $27,450

When it comes to dolls, none are more popular than Barbie. The first of these toys was created in 1959, making it over 60 years old now. While plenty of newer models have made their mark since then, the first Barbie continues to be a source of great interest to some. So much so that it's worth nearly $30,000.

That's quite a change from the $3 that she reportedly sold for initially. Not only is this Barbie special because it's the first, but it's design also differs from more modern updates. The toy is supposedly meant to reflect the glamor of women like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, who were big in the 1950s. That explains the look.

A signed copy of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea is a valuable collector’s item

• Maker: Ernest Hemingway, Scribner
• Year: 1952
• Initial price: $5
• Worth now: $30,000

Another book that’s proven to be incredibly valuable when it has the author’s signature is ‘The Old Man and the Sea.’ Ernest Hemingway isn’t with us anymore, which is why his name on a piece of literature can really drive up the price. In fact, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ was actually the last novel that Hemingway published.

That makes this relatively short book even more special and explains why it’s allegedly worth $30,000. If you want to read the text, we’d recommend opting for a much cheaper version. After all, if you spend that much on a book, the last thing you want to do is read it and risk damaging such a precious item.

A prototype Pez dispenser from the 1982 World’s Fair has proven to be incredibly valuable

• Maker: Haas
• Year: 1982
• Initial price: Never sold
• Worth now: $32,205

The World’s Fair is something that’s been around since the 1700s, although it wasn’t until the 1820s that it first came to the United States. These events are designed to showcase the achievements of various nations and often come with unique memorabilia. In 1982, this apparently included a special Pez dispenser, which is now a valuable collector’s item.

The reason people are eager to get their hands on one of these is that only a few were ever made. The prototype apparently never made it to mass production, so owning one of these is pretty special. Someone was apparently willing to pay $32,205 for this privilege in 2006, winning the Pez dispenser in an eBay auction.

A ticket stub from the 1927 World Series is incredibly valuable because of what happened

• Maker: Major League Baseball
• Year: 1927
• Initial price: $1
• Worth now: $41,825

A ticket stub isn’t that special of an item. However, what it represents can make it worth so much more than its actual value. That’s clear to see with ticket stubs from the 1927 World Series. At the time, people will have apparently only paid $1 for one of these. Nowadays, though, they supposedly sell for over $40,000.

That’s not the result of inflation but simply a sign of just how incredible the 1927 World Series was. Well, the New York Yankees did have the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gherig, who were at the peak of their careers at the time. The Yankees ultimately won all four games and enjoyed a clean sweep.

An original Darth Vader action figure is hugely popular in a world obsessed with Star Wars

• Maker: Kenner
• Year: 1978
• Initial price: $4.99
• Worth now: $44,994.40

There aren’t many franchises in the world bigger than the epic space opera ‘Star Wars.’ That’s partly thanks to Disney, whose ownership of it means that there’s always a new film or TV series in the works. ‘Star Wars’ was big long before Disney came along, though, with the original trilogy generating huge sales for movie tickets and merchandise.

Some of the toys created for the franchise during those early days are now worth a significant amount of money, including a Darth Vader action figure. One apparently sold for nearly $45,000 in the past, so it’s clearly something that collectors have a demand for. That might be because the figure is special thanks to the double-telescoping.

A first-edition collection of Harry Potter books is rare and, therefore, expensive

• Maker: Scholastic Press
• Year: 2007
• Initial price: $39.99
• Worth now: $56,000

For many adults, the fantasy series ‘Harry Potter’ defined their childhood. The books and films continued to grow in popularity over the years as millions wanted to find out exactly how the stories would come to an end. There aren’t many books nowadays that capture the passion that people once had for the release of a new ‘Harry Potter’ title.

So, it’s no great surprise that a set of first-edition books from the series are reportedly worth a ton of money. Not many of these books were ever made, so having an entire collection of them is truly special. You’re apparently looking at prices like $56,000 if you want to have your own set of them these days.

Levi’s 501 jeans from the 18th century fetch a very high price now

• Maker: Levi’s
• Year: Late 1800s
• Initial price: $3
• Worth now: $60,000

Many people buy new clothes all the time, a habit that we may need to start getting out of. While it can be nice to pick up something new to wear, it benefits the planet more to reuse older items. However, that doesn’t mean you need to rock stuff that’s been around for over a century, whatever its condition is. 

Such clothes do exist, with several pairs of Levi jeans dating back to the 1800s. The company themselves apparently once purchased a pair for $46,000, while someone else bought some ancient jeans for $60,000. Most people don’t even know that Levi’s was around in the 18th century, let alone that their jeans can sell for so much.

Ikea isn’t always affordable, as evidenced by their red clam chairs

• Maker: Ikea
• Year: 1944
• Initial price: $50
• Worth now: $64,000

Ikea is somewhere that people often turn to for relatively affordable furniture. However, not everything this company has produced comes at a suitable price for everyone. One piece of Ikea furniture is reportedly worth $64,000, which is what the company once sold it for in London. It seems this furniture was the result of a collaboration with Philip Arctander.

Arctander was a Danish architect who became the director of the Danish Building Research Institute. He became notable after showcasing his work at the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition in 1942, several years before he collaborated with Ikea. They ended up creating a set of vintage red clam chairs that evidently proved to hold significant value to some buyers.

Back to the Future Nike Air Mags are big sellers, regardless of their quality

• Maker: Nike
• Year: 1989
• Initial price: $2,300 - $9,959
• Worth now: $92,100

The sci-fi movie series ‘Back to the Future’ might not have accurately predicted what life would be like nowadays, but at least it made viewers fall in love with a pair of shoes. The Air Mags showcased in the second film received a ton of interest, to the point that Nike made a limited number of copies of them.

This happened in several batches, with the original versions proving to be incredibly popular. Someone once sold their sneakers for $92,100, even though the footwear wasn’t of good quality. A cracked midsole, crumbling heel, and detached outsole weren’t enough to reduce the price too significantly. However, we can only imagine the cost if the shoes were in good condition.

A limited-edition Hermes Birkin Bag far exceeded expectations when it went to auction

• Maker: Christian Astuguevieille for Hermes
• Year: 2010
• Initial price: $60,000
• Worth now: $125,000

Whenever something is limited edition, it inevitably becomes in demand. However, not all of this stuff ends up as some of the most valuable collector’s items. One that has, though, is a Hermes Birkin Bag designed by Christian Astuguevieille. It apparently once sold for $125,000 at auction, over double what it was originally worth when it was on sale.

The bag inevitably won’t appeal to everyone, given that it’s made out of crocodile and black Togo leather. It supposedly wasn't even predicted to exceed its initial price tag at auction, reportedly estimated to go for $50,000. However, there were evidently enough collectors who wanted to get their hands on this Birkin Bag, which boasts five feet underneath.

An original version of Monopoly has become one of the world’s most valuable collector’s items

• Maker: Lizzie Magie (now Hasbro)
• Year: 1933
  Initial price: $5 - $10
• Worth now: $146,500

Nowadays, Monopoly is a game that friends and families love to play together but usually end up arguing about before it’s over. However, over a century ago, its purpose was to show people why land monopolies are a bad thing. It was reportedly created by economist Lizzie Magie in 1903 and looked a little different back then.

It also had a different name - The Landlord’s Game. When Charles Darrow supposedly purchased the rights to the game, it became a monopoly and started to take shape as the game we know today. This version, hand-drawn on a piece of cloth in the 1930s, is now one of the most valuable collector’s items, selling for $146,500 at auction.

Only two models of the Volkswagen Beach Bomb are confirmed to exist

• Maker: Mattel
• Year: 1969
• Initial price: $0.98
• Worth now: $150,000

When only a handful of a specific item exists, it's inevitable that it'll attract the attention of collectors. One of the main reasons people spend thousands on this stuff is to have the honor of owning something that almost no one else in the world has. They won't think twice about spending $150,000 on a toy.

That's how much someone reportedly spent on the Volkswagen Beach Bomb, of which only two are currently confirmed to exist. Even when the prototype was made, there were apparently only 144 of them. This makes it one of the rarest Hot Wheels toys of all time and, thus, one of the most valuable collector's items in the world.

A first-edition G.I. Joe action figure holds a lot of appeal to collectors

• Maker: Hasbro
• Year: 1964
• Initial price: $4
• Worth now: $200,000

You don’t have to be a specific gender to play with a toy. For a long time, though, certain toys were designed to appeal to either boys or girls. While things like Barbie, Cabbage Patch kids, and American Girl dolls were aimed at the latter, G.I. Joe action figures were typically marketed at the former.

Like plenty of other long-running toys, G.I. Joe has been through various changes over the years. That includes making the toys smaller and creating more of a backstory to make the products more appealing. Despite this, though, the original action figures continue to be popular with collectors. A first-edition G.I. Joe sold for $200,000 in 2003.

A Beanie Baby made in Princess Diana’s honor can allegedly sell for six figures

• Maker: Ty
• Year: 1997
• Initial price: $5 - $7
• Worth now: $200,000

It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since Princess Diana passed away. The tragedy shook the world in 1997 as millions of people grieved her loss. People did many things to try and honor her life after the crash in Paris. Ty opted to make a special Beanie Baby to raise money for the Princess of Wales memorial fund.

People snatched the limited-edition toys up when they went on sale, but plenty of buyers soon forgot about them afterward. If you still own one, it’s worth digging it out and seeing if it’s in good condition. Prices for these toys seem to go as high as $200,000 on online auction sites like eBay.

A can of Coca-Cola with a factory error is apparently quite a collector’s item

• Maker: Coca-Cola
• Year: 2012
• Initial price: $1.19
• Worth now: $250,000

Plenty of people love the refreshing taste of a can of Coca-Cola. However, we’re not sure that anyone would pay $250,000 for it, especially when you can get one of these for a few dollars in almost any store. However, some people would pay a quarter of a million for a can that’s different from all the others.

That’s supposedly what happened with a Coca-Cola can that had a factory error somewhat recently. Due to the issue, there was no way to crack open the can and enjoy what was inside. While that meant losing out on a refreshing beverage, it also meant that the can went from being worth a few dollars to a few hundred thousand.

A decoy duck broke a record when it sold for $270,000

• Maker: Thomas Chambers
• Year: Circa 1900
• Initial price: $2,500
• Worth now: $270,000

Those familiar with hunting waterfowl will likely already understand the purpose of a decoy duck. For those not in the know, the goal of these creations is basically to attract real ducks. They’re most commonly carved out of wood, namely Atlantic white cedar wood from the east coast. However, cork was also apparently a popular material in the early days.

For the ducks to be convincing, a lot of care and detail has to go into them. So, it makes sense that some of the best decoy ducks have sold well at auctions. One by Thomas Chambers once set a record for selling at $270,000 at Copley Fine Art Auctions. Evidently, someone appreciated this fine piece of woodwork.

A signed copy of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is worth quite a lot

• Maker: UK Parlophone
• Year: 1967
• Initial price: $8 - $12
• Worth now: $290,500

The Beatles were everywhere in the 1960s. They had millions of fans across the globe who adored them and made them some of the most famous men in the world. Although they only lasted a decade, their music is still beloved to this day. So much so that one of their vinyl records previously sold for $290,500 at auction.

It was a copy of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ that went for such a significant price. While most would be able to buy it far cheaper, their copy wouldn’t come with signatures from all four members of the Beatles. Now that two of the four are gone, signed copies of their memorabilia are even more valuable.

A Nintendo PlayStation prototype sold incredibly well after the others were destroyed

• Maker: Nintendo, Sony
• Year: 1988
• Initial price: Never sold
• Worth now: $360,000

Usually, people think of Nintendo and Sony as competitors. However, there was a time when the two apparently joined forces to create a console prototype. This was the Super NES CD-ROM, which was reportedly intended as an add-on for the SNES. After collaborating on this unique creation, the console ended up being canceled, so no one got to buy it.

Nearly all of the prototypes were apparently destroyed following a souring of relations between Nintendo and Sony. However, at least one still exists, and it was sold by Heritage Auctions for a whopping $360,000. The console apparently still works and was in high demand when it went up for sale. Whoever got their hands on it was very lucky.

A poster from the 1931 film Dracula is now worth over half a million dollars

• Maker: Universal Studios
• Year: 1931
• Initial price: $0.05
• Worth now: $525,800

When it comes to the horror genre, the classics will always have a place in people’s hearts. One that forever stands out is ‘Dracula,’ with the book released at the end of the 19th century. Plenty of film adaptations have been made in the years since, although the 1931 supernatural horror movie will always be the first.

That film had such an impact on the genre and on all the Dracula movies that followed that memorabilia from it is now worth a ton today. Even something like a poster is apparently worth more than half a million dollars. One poster advertising the film went for $525,800 at auction, proving that movie posters are worth holding onto.

Ringo Starr’s copy of the White Album is one of the world’s most valuable collector’s items

• Maker: Apple Records
• Year: 1968
• Initial price: $11.28
• Worth now: $790,000

'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' isn't the only record by the Beatles that's worth a lot in today's market. Another of their albums that become one of the world's most valuable collector's items is their White Album. When Ringo Starr's copy of it was auctioned several years ago, someone reportedly paid $790,000 to become its new owner.

The fact that Starr was the original owner of the record meant that it was already considered valuable to potential collectors. However, there was something else about this version of the White Album that made people want to pay big money for it. It turns out it was the first copy made of this record, meaning it was numbered 0000001.

The Vincent Black Lightning Motorcycle is apparently the world’s most expensive motorcycle

• Maker: Vincent in Stevenage, England
• Year: 1951
• Initial price: Unknown
• Worth now: $929,000

Plenty of the most valuable collector’s items in the world are relatively small things. However, there are many rare and expensive items worth collecting that are a bit on the larger side. For instance, the 1951 Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle, which nearly sold for $1 million when it was put up for auction in 2018.

Less than two dozen of these motorcycles are known to still exist, with only 33 reportedly produced in the first place. It was apparently made for Tony McAlpine, an Australian racer who broke his home country’s land speed record. When the vehicle sold for $929,000, it set a new record for the most expensive motorcycle in the world.

The Amazing Fantasy #15 comic book introduced Spider-Man and is thus hugely popular

• Maker: Marvel Comics
• Year: 1962
• Initial price: $0.05
• Worth now: $1.1 million

Now we're really getting into the world's most valuable collector's items, with this stuff all worth at least seven figures. That includes a comic book from 1962, which introduced Spider-Man to the world. With this superhero now being one of the most popular around, we can see why this comic would be a hit with collectors.

There's also the fact that it's apparently in mint condition to consider too. That kind of quality speaks to many collectors, especially when it comes to something like this. Comic books in the 1960s weren't printed on paper intended to last 60 years. So, this copy being in mint condition was understandably a big deal at that auction.

The error of the “Inverted Jenny” stamp has made it incredibly valuable to collectors

• Maker: USPS
  Year: 1918
• Initial price: $0.24
• Worth now: $1.593 million

It’s no great surprise that one of the world’s most valuable collector’s items is a stamp. Stamp collecting is a popular hobby, with some of these far harder to find than others. The more exclusive something is, the more expensive it ends up being. The “Inverted Jenny” stamp reportedly sold for $1.593 million at a 2018 auction.

The reason this $0.24 USPS postage stamp is so valuable is that it was printed in error. The Curtiss JN-4 airplane isn’t supposed to be inverted, so only a handful of stamps like this exist. The fact that this is probably one of the most famous errors in American philatelic history only makes the stamp even more desirable.

Kanye West’s Air Yeezy prototype achieved the highest private sale of sneakers ever

• Maker: Nike
• Year: 2008
• Initial price: Never sold
• Worth now: $1.8 million

Kanye West has helped to create plenty of shoes over the years. However, one of the most valuable was the prototype that he wore to the 2008 Grammys. He showcased them while performing on the stage and generated a lot of demand for the sneakers. Unfortunately, the prototype never made it to market, but that’s good for collectors.

When these eventually went to auction in 2021, they apparently sold for $1.8 million. There aren’t many sneakers in the world that can claim to be as valuable as that. In fact, when the sale was completed, it became the highest private sale of sneakers in history. We doubt that whoever bought them intends to ever wear them, though.

The 1959 Les Paul guitar apparently appeals to collectors for several great reasons

• Maker: Gibson
• Year: 1959
• Initial price: $300
• Worth now: $2 million

Even without collectors driving the price up at auctions, the 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar is worth a significant amount of money. Apparently, the base price estimate is around $500,000, making it more valuable than a lot of things on this list. However, it supposedly went on sale with an asking price of $2 million.

What makes a guitar like this so special? Apparently, the 1959 Les Paul guitars were the first to ever feature the now-classic Gibson formula. That includes a mahogany body, PAF Humbuckers, and a tune-o-matic tailpiece. Iconic stars like Jimmy Page also played this guitar, something that undeniably appeals to a lot of collectors interested in musical memorabilia.

A Chinese “Ding” bowl once bought for $3 later sold for several million dollars

• Maker: Artisans in China’s Hebei Province
• Year: 1100s
• Initial price: Unknown
• Worth now: $2.2 million

The older something is, the more valuable it typically becomes. So, it makes sense that some porcelain bowls from the Chinese Tang and Yuan dynasties are now apparently worth a fortune. The latter of these ended in the 1300s, meaning anything that originates from these dynasties makes for quite the collector’s item in the modern world.

One of the porcelain “Ding” bowls from this era apparently went for $2.2 million at a 2013 auction, several million more than the estimated price. The thin potting and ivory color of the item are part of what makes it special, although not everyone is aware of this. The seller originally got it for $3 at a garage sale.

The Cowardly Lion costume from the Wizard of Oz is a sought-after piece of movie memorabilia

• Maker: Adrian Greenberg for MGM
• Year: 1939
• Initial price: Never sold
• Worth now: $3 million

The 1939 musical fantasy film 'The Wizard of Oz' is a movie beloved by many. A critical and (eventually) commercial success, it's now preserved in the United States National Film Registry. It's also apparently the nation's most-watched movie. As a result, anything related to the production tends to be hugely popular with collectors, including costumes used by the actors.

Bert Lahr's costume for the Cowardly Lion has proven to be of particular interest, reportedly selling for $3 million at a 2014 auction. The ensemble is notable for supposedly utilizing real lion skin and fur. The face is also a sculpted bust of the actor, who passed away in 1967. His loss only makes the costume more valuable.

Action Comics No.1 started the superhero trend and is thus incredibly valuable

• Maker: Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster
• Year: 1938
• Initial price: $0.10
• Worth now: $3.2 million

When it comes to the most valuable comic books in the world, we’re not sure that anything surpasses Action Comics No.1. Why should anything be more valuable than this, though, when it’s the first superhero comic book ever made? This basically started the genre that is now immensely popular almost an entire century later.

With Action Comics No.1, Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster brought Superman to the world’s attention. The original copies of this comic book reportedly sold very quickly, and at the time, they were apparently worth just ten cents. Nowadays, though, they’re reportedly going for as much as $3.2 million if they’re still in excellent condition.

1913 Liberty Head nickels shouldn’t exist, and that’s why they’re so in-demand

• Maker: U.S. Minit
• Year: 1913
• Initial price: Never sold
• Worth now: $4.5 million

If something exists when it’s not supposed to, it’s inevitably going to become a collector’s item. That’s certainly proven to be the case with the 1913 Liberty Head nickels. After being struck for circulation in the late 19th century, the Liberty Heads were eventually phased out in 1912. However, several coins ended up being printed with the 1913 year.

No one is apparently that sure why these coins ended up being made. However, that mystery has simply made the coins even more valuable. One apparently sold for $3.1 million in 2013, while another went for $4.5 million five years later. If any ever go up for auction again, we can only imagine what the price will be.

Luka Dončić’s rookie basketball card is one of the most valuable trading cards ever made

• Maker: Panini
• Year: 2018-19
• Initial price: $16.99
• Worth now: $4.6 million

Trading cards are another popular item that people love to collect, with some worth a lot more than others. You might assume that when it comes to basketball cards, the most valuable ones would belong to all-time greats like Michael Jordan or Shaquille O'Neal. However, Luka Dončić, who only joined the NBA in 2018, is up there.

Of course, Dončić has shown himself to be an exceptional player and won Rookie of the Year in the 2018-19 season. It's actually his rookie card that's proven to be one of the world's most valuable collector's items. The signed single-print card reportedly fetched $4.6 million, a price that Luka will hopefully live up to on the court.

An Eloise doll with plenty of expensive additions is a highly valuable collector’s piece

• Maker: Madame Alexander
• Year: Unknown
• Initial price: $200
• Worth now: $5 million

We know that dolls make up some of the most valuable collector’s items in the world. However, not many reach the dizzying heights of the Madame Alexander Eloise doll. This toy is reportedly worth $5 million, which is incredible when you consider that it’s normally worth a few hundred dollars. It all depends on what version it is.

The original, limited-edition version of the Eloise doll is the one that collectors will apparently pay serious money for. Madame Alexander reportedly only created five of them, with the doll’s attire also upping the price. Apparently, the toy comes with nine carats of diamonds, Katherine Baumann accessories, Swarovski crystals, Christian Dior clothing, and Oscar de la Renta fur.

Logan Paul set a new record when he purchased the Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card

• Maker: Nintendo
• Year: 1998
• Initial price: Never sold
• Worth now: $5.275 million

With all the money some celebrities make, they can afford to join the ranks of the world’s most esteemed collectors. That’s what Logan Paul did in 2021 when he apparently spent $5.25 million on a Pokémon card. In doing so, he set a Guinness World Record for the most ever spent on a Pokémon card at a private sale.”

The card is special because it’s exceptional quality and is also one of only 39 that supposedly exist. The item was reportedly a prize for an illustration contest in 1998 and definitely was not worth over $5 million when it was first handed out. However, the WWE star was willing to flash the cash to own something so exclusive.

Robby the Robot was the best-selling movie prop when he sold for over $5 million

• Maker: MGM Studios
• Year: 1956
• Initial price: $1.21 million
• Worth now: $5.375 million

Sci-fi movies today have benefitted from those that have come before, particularly the likes of the 1956 film ‘Forbidden Planet.’ A major standout in the 1950s, it’s still remembered for a lot of things today, including the character of Robby the Robot. At the time, he was notable for not just being a “tin can on legs.”

It reportedly cost $125,000 to make him, but when he went to auction years later, he was worth a lot more. He apparently sold for $5.375 million, with Bonhams confirming that this was the highest a movie prop had ever managed at the time. Evidently, there was a huge desire to own this piece of cinematic history.

Honus Wagner stopped production of his baseball cards, making them rare and valuable

• Maker: ATC
• Year: 1909
• Initial price: $50
• Worth now: $6.6 million

There are trading cards for all sorts of sports, with each collection boasting some rare and valuable pieces. When it comes to baseball cards, the T206 Honus Wagner stands out for being one of the biggest-selling in the world. In 2021, it was apparently sold for $6.6 million, an incredible amount all these years after Wagner’s retirement.

Not many of these cards were made, with the baseball legend reportedly stopping production after around just 50 were printed. The reasons why he did this differ. Regardless, though, his decision meant the few cards that did make it through production became hard to get hold of. That’s how one managed to become one of the most valuable collector’s items.

Few photos of Billy the Kid exist, hence why they’re so valuable

• Maker: Unknown
• Year: Before 1881
• Initial price: Unknown
• Worth now: $10 million

When it comes to the Wild West, Billy the Kid is a name that plenty of people associate with this era. He was one of the most famous outlaws of the time and, like many criminals, lost his life at a young age. When he passed away at 21, there were only a handful of pictures of him in existence.

That’s why one tintype photo of him is alleged to be worth a significant amount of money. It was supposedly the first ever taken of him. Given that cameras in the late-1800s weren’t the same as they are now, this photo was created in a unique way. It apparently involved creating a positive on a sheet of dark enamel-coated metal.

Only four copies of the Birds of America Collection apparently exist in the world

• Maker: John James Audubon
• Year: 1827 - 1838
• Initial price: $126
• Worth now: $10.27 million

It’s hard to believe the creativity that some people are able to accomplish with just their hands. The work of John James Audubon is particularly incredible. The man created a collection of hand-painted watercolor prints of birds, which now all live together in a four-volume book set. Within this set are apparently 435 paintings that showcase Audubon’s talent.

As only four copies of this collection supposedly exist, there are plenty of people who want to call it their own. To do so requires an immense amount of money, though, given that one set reportedly went for $10.27 million at a 2018 auction. It was apparently purchased by Carl W. Knobloch, Jr., for the Knobloch Family Foundation.

A number one license plate was bought by someone later convicted of fraud

• Maker: Public Authorities
• Year: 2008
• Initial price: New at auction
• Worth now: $14.3 million

To some people, license plates aren’t that big of a deal. They’re just a random assortment of numbers and letters that sit on their car. To others, though, they matter a lot. That’s why drivers get custom plates or spend ludicrous amounts of money on a collector’s item like this. A number one plate apparently sold for $14.3 million.

Single-digit plates are exceptionally rare, so we’re not surprised that this one proved to be so valuable. Still, that’s a ton of money to spend on such an item. What’s more, the buyer ended up being sentenced to jail for three years after being convicted of fraud. That drama probably just makes their purchase even more valuable, though.

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin is extremely valuable because they were all supposed to be melted

• Maker: U.S. Mint
• Year: 1933
• Initial price: Never sold
• Worth now: $18.8 million

Much like stamps and trading cards, coins are something else that people love collecting. We can’t imagine how much money people with this hobby must spend trying to complete their collection, though. After all, there are only a handful of some coins available in the world, such as the 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin, which definitely isn’t cheap.

There used to be 445,000 of these coins minted, but almost all of them were ordered to be melted down. However, a few dozen supposedly didn’t end up being turned back into gold. Since then, several have ended up in the hands of collectors, but at quite a steep price. In 2021, one was sold for $18.8 million.

Patek Philippe’s Grandmaster Chime watch allegedly takes 100,000 hours to make

• Maker: Patek Philippe
• Year: 1920
• Initial price: New at auction
• Worth now: $31.19 million

Wristwatches aren’t always that easy to put together, especially one like this. It’s apparently considered the most complicated wristwatch ever made and is consequently worth millions. There are reportedly only seven examples of the Grandmaster Chime watch in the world, one of which isn’t for sale because it lives at the Patek Philippe Museum in Switzerland.

Putting together this watch is supposedly so difficult that it requires 100,000 hours of work. It features two independent dials, a reversible case, 20 complications, and six patented innovations. It’s no wonder that Patek Philippe is so revered for their watches or that the Grandmaster Chime is one of the most valuable collector’s items in the world.

A Persian rug set quite the record when it sold for over $30 million in 2013

• Maker: Unknown
• Year: 1600s
• Initial price: $1,500
• Worth now: $33.76 million

We know that quite a wide variety of things make up the world's most valuable collector's items. However, perhaps one of the most surprising entries to this list is a Persian rug. When this went to auction at Sotheby's in June 2013, it reportedly set a new world record by selling for an incredible $33.76 million.

What made this rug so special? Well, it was a hand-knotted, Clark-Sickle-Leaf rug that was created back in the 17th century. Evidently, it was still of good quality, too, despite being hundreds of years old. The auctioneer for the Persian rug called it "extraordinary and wonderful," even claiming that it deserved to sell for as much as it did.

The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO became the most expensive car ever sold at an auction

• Maker: Ferrari
• Year: 1963 
• Initial price: $18,000
• Worth now: $70 million

Collecting cars definitely isn’t a cheap hobby. However, if you have the funds to buy such valuable items, you can build up quite the collection. You really will need to be well-off, though, especially if you want to go for the most valuable cars in the world. The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO once sold at auction for $70 million.

In doing so, this vehicle broke the record for being the most expensive car ever sold at an auction. That’s quite some doing, considering that this model was reportedly worth $18,000 when it was released in 1963. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t a big deal at the time, though, with Enzo Ferrari allegedly having to personally approve every buyer.