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With so much animosity toward clutter, minimalists could be overlooking the potential for hidden treasures in cluttered spaces. So, before you commit to the minimalist way of life, make sure you know what you’re getting rid of.
Whether cleaning out the attic or basement or enjoying flea market and thrift store shopping, you may come across some 1970s treasures that could be worth a bundle today. These items range from historical to pop culture and childhood nostalgia, but all have some sort of significance in the eyes of collectors.
I looked at auction sales records and listings on auction sites to compile this list. I chose some of the most iconic and interesting items to include on this list. You’ll see a mixture of rare and high-value items as well as more common everyday items that have become collectible.
Lord of the Rings Knickerbocker Playset
The animated version of The Lord of the Rings was released in 1978. Of course, action figures were released along with the movie, and a complete set in good condition can be worth up to $17,000 today.
Vintage Lunch Boxes
In the 1970s, it was normal for kids to take their lunch to school in metal lunch boxes. There were many to choose from, and most featured characters like Davy Crockett, Nancy Drew, The Munsters, and Star Wars characters. Of course, the exact value will depend on the style of the lunch box and its condition, but some have sold for upwards of $150.
Vintage Apple Computers
The original Apple-1 computer, released in 1976, is highly collectible, especially if it still works or has the original packaging. Some Apple-1 units in good condition have sold at auction for more than $220,000.
Talking Busy Barbie
Talking Busy Barbie, Ken, and Steffie dolls were unique because they had hands that could hold certain toys, like a record player, TV, and telephone. Dolls in good condition and still in their packaging are the most valuable, but even gently used dolls without packaging can be worth around $250.
Typewriters
High-end typewriters in good condition can be worth a fortune today. They are considered the precursors to the personal computers that many of us now own, making them highly collectible. Today, a 1970s typewriter in good condition can be worth anywhere from $100 to $700, depending on its rarity.
Vintage IKEA Furniture
IKEA is popular today for its affordable housewares and furniture. But some vintage pieces are worth a lot of money. A vintage teak cabinet and bookshelf combo from the 1970s can be worth up to about $3,000 today.
Luke Skywalker Action Figure
If you were lucky to own the Luke Skywalker action figure with double-telescoping lightsabers, it might be worth about $25,000. However, there weren’t many made, which is why it’s worth so much. Fortunately, almost any other Luke Skywalker action figure from the 1970s will still fetch a good amount of money if it’s in the packaging and in good condition.
Cuckoo Clock
Cuckoo clocks were invented in the 1730s and have been popular ever since. However, their popularity increased in the 1970s, partly because clock builders updated features and used advanced technologies. It’s hard to put an exact value on a 1970s clock because it will depend on the maker, materials, and features.
Vintage Pyrex
Believe it or not, vintage Pyrex is very collectible. Classic casserole dishes and rare mixing bowl sets have auctioned for thousands of dollars. An early 1970s Christmas bowl recently sold for $370.
Sony Walkman Tps-L2
Many people owned Sony Walkmans in the past, so you might have one tucked away in a drawer somewhere. One of the most popular models today is the original TPS-L2, which was released in 1979. It was an immediate hit among children and adults, and today, one could be worth about $600.
Alpine Man Pez Dispenser
Pretty much all vintage Pez dispensers are collectible and have some value. But, the Alpine Man version can fetch up to $3,000. Two versions of the Alpine Man were released in 1972 to commemorate the Munich Olympics. One had a green Alpine hat and a mustache; the other was clean-shaven and had a brown cap.
Remco Batman Utility Belt
This toy came with accessories like decoder glasses, a communicator, handcuffs, a toy watch, and a Gotham City decoder map. It also came with a secret message and identity card. That’s a lot of small pieces to keep track of, so there are only a few complete sets left. But if you’re lucky enough to have all the pieces in good condition, it could be worth more than $3,000.
Walk Lively Steffie Doll
Steffie was Barbie’s friend and a popular doll in the 1970s. Although many people don’t remember Steffie, a boxed Walk Lively Steffie doll in mind condition can be worth about $550 today.
The Sex Pistols God Save the Queen/No Feelings 45
In 1977, A&M Records signed the Sex Pistols to their label, and in the six days before the label dropped the band, 25,000 copies of the God Save the Queen single were pressed. Over the years, only nine copies have surfaced, making the record extremely rare and collectible. In 2003, a copy sold for about $17,600.
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