10 “Yard Sale Treasures” Everyone Owned That Are Now Worth a Fortune
Most people think of yard sales as tables of forgotten gadgets and dusty dishes, but some of that clutter now fetches eye-widening prices. The trick to finding fortune in that mix of memories and leftovers is to know what to look for.
In this article, we discuss the top items from the secondhand tables and boxes that might now fund your next vacation.
Vintage Pyrex in Rare Patterns
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Pyrex collectors don’t mess around. Patterns like Gooseberry or Lucky in Love are surprisingly valuable, especially with unfaded colors and clear stamps. A complete nesting bowl set can fetch hundreds, and some single pieces are now investment-worthy. If grandma’s old mixing bowls are hiding in the garage, it might be time to check eBay.
Teak Kitchen Accessories
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Serving boards and salad bowls from Danish makers, particularly 1960s Dansk, attract steady demand. The wood’s deep tone and substantial feel have a quality that mass-market pieces lack. Even smaller accessories like handled trays can bring in significant returns if the finish is original and free from deep scratches.
Vintage Quilts
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Hand-stitched quilts may be sentimental, but right now, they could be bankable, too. Pieces from before 1950, especially with unusual patterns or feed sack fabrics, are collector catnip. The cleaner and less faded they are, the better.
Sterling Silver Flatware Sets
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Flatware stamped “Sterling” or “.925” is far more than tarnished cutlery. Even mixed pieces hold scrap value, and complete sets often bring a premium. Check weight and hallmarks closely. Older patterns from known silversmiths are especially desirable to both collectors and jewelers looking for quality silver.
Brass Decor from Midcentury Makers
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If a brass candlestick nearly pulls your shoulder out, that’s a good sign. Midcentury brass décor from Mexican or Italian designers is big with collectors. They could fetch a bigger price if they’re heavier. Sculptural trays and abstract wall hangings from the 1950s–70s are especially prized, and some reach four figures at auction.
Signed or First‑Edition Cookbooks
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A first edition of Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking could buy you a month’s worth of groceries. And expect even better if you’ve signed copies. Keep an eye out for cookbooks from culinary legends. It’s important to note that minimal stains, original jackets, and uncracked spines matter.
Old‑School Video Games
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Original cartridges for Nintendo, Sega, or Atari systems still appear on sale tables, often priced cheaply. Titles with boxes and manuals are particularly valuable, with some limited editions selling for thousands. Always inspect labels for wear and test for functionality, as condition directly affects collector interest.
Lucite Desk and Home Accessories
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That clear plastic letter tray or napkin holder you tossed aside could be vintage Lucite, and collectors are all over it. Look for ’70s and ’80s pieces from brands like Guzzini. Make sure there are clean lines, solid heft, and no yellowing.
Midcentury Modern Furniture
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Tables, chairs, and cabinets from designers like Eames, Knoll, or Danish makers often show up in unexpected places. Even worn pieces can be restored and resold for significant sums. Look for original hardware, dovetail joints, and design hallmarks that set these apart from later imitations.
Museum Exhibition Posters
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Art exhibit posters weren’t made to last, but collectors wish they had. Limited prints for gallery shows, especially with artist signatures or museum stamps, are rising in value. Even if it’s framed with yellowing mat board, a real Warhol or Haring promo could bring hundreds, maybe more.
Vintage Costume Jewelry
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Signed costume pieces from brands like Trifari, Weiss, or Miriam Haskell remain surprisingly valuable. Heavier weight, secure clasps, and intact stones are clues to their quality. Brooches, clip‑on earrings, and statement necklaces often sell well online, even if they were tossed into a mixed box at a yard sale.
Advertising Signs and Tins
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Gas station enamel signs, soda‑brand tins, and other early advertising pieces continue to draw attention. Wear from age is acceptable if graphics are strong and lettering remains clear. Collectors appreciate pieces tied to regional businesses or discontinued products.
Vintage Watches
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Vintage watches—even from lesser-known midcentury brands—can go for surprising amounts. If it’s mechanical, has original parts, and doesn’t look like it came from a mall kiosk, it might be worth something. Bonus points for interesting dials or rare strap materials. Don’t toss it just because it isn’t running.
Vintage Board Games and Toys
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Complete sets from the 1960s through the 1990s—Polly Pocket compacts, early Hot Wheels, or boxed board games—are in demand. Original packaging dramatically boosts value, as does clean, unbroken condition. Limited releases or versions with production quirks are particularly attractive to collectors and often sell quickly.
Rare Coins
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Old coins mixed into a spare‑change jar can be surprisingly profitable. Pre‑1965 U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars contain silver. Limited mint runs or coins with visible errors increase their worth further.