Sorting through inherited belongings can feel daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to uncover hidden wealth. Everyday items like cookware, furniture, or even forgotten knickknacks might be surprisingly valuable.
Understanding what to look for can make all the difference. Here are nine inherited items that could fetch big money and tips for making the most of these unexpected treasures.
1. Rare Coins
Inherited coin collections can often hold significant value. Look for rare or limited-edition coins, coins made from precious metals, or those with historical significance.
Inheriting valuable coins offers a fascinating connection between history and financial opportunity. While rare coins hold tangible value, modern investors are also exploring digital alternatives like cryptocurrencies. Both require careful research and understanding of market trends to maximize their worth.
If you’re intrigued by the evolution of currency, consider diversifying your portfolio. Rare coins and cryptocurrencies can complement each other as assets with unique appreciation potential, offering a mix of historical charm and futuristic innovation.
Pro Tip: Buy, sell, and store hundreds of cryptocurrencies. Sign up and get up to $200 in crypto today.
2. Vintage Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations from the mid-20th century—especially those from brands like Shiny Brite or handcrafted items—are highly collectible. Vintage Christmas ornaments, Halloween decorations, or hand-carved nativity sets can fetch surprising sums.
For instance, a box of Shiny Brite ornaments in good condition can sell for $50-$150, while rare or unusual holiday decorations can bring in even more. Look for items made from materials like mercury glass or those with unique designs.
Collecting these valuable pieces can also be a way to save money during the holidays by reusing or repurposing timeless decorations. Pair this cost-conscious approach with savings on everyday essentials, dining, or travel to keep your budget in check.
Pro Tip: Slash expenses on dining, travel, eyeglasses, prescriptions and more with AARP – Just $12/year with auto-renewal. Join now and save hundreds.
3. Vintage Cookware
Don’t overlook those well-worn kitchen cabinets. Classic cookware brands like Pyrex, Fire-King, Texas Ware, and Revere Ware are highly collectible and loved for their durability. Copper pots and pans can also attract buyers.
Even if the items are chipped or stained, they can still appeal to collectors who appreciate their vintage appeal. Look for similar items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace and note the prices listed. For example, a vintage Revere Ware copper-bottom cookware set can sell for $50-$200, depending on the condition and completeness.
Be sure to set aside some of your proceeds to invest in the future.
Pro Tip: Acorns helps you save, invest, and grow for your future. Their automated saving, investing, and spending tools help you grow your money and your financial wellness.
4. Midcentury Modern Furniture
Midcentury modern furniture, popular from the 1940s to 1960s, is still highly sought after. Whether it’s sleek accent tables or stylish lounge chairs, the aesthetic of this era appeals to a wide audience.
Even non-designer pieces can command hundreds of dollars. A midcentury modern accent chair can sell for anywhere from $200 to $800, while designer pieces like those by Charles and Ray Eames can fetch thousands. Talk with a furniture consignment shop about selling some of your acquired pieces.
5. Vintage Jewelry
Vintage jewelry, especially from iconic designers or rare periods like Art Deco or Retro, can fetch incredible prices. Think gold, silver, and statement pieces with unique gemstones. Items from well-known brands like Tiffany, Cartier, or Bvlgari can be particularly valuable, but even less-known pieces can surprise you.
Vintage Tiffany bracelets can sell for $500-$3,000, depending on the style and materials used. Search for jewelers who create contemporary pieces using stones from outdated settings; they may be interested in purchasing some of your pieces, or you might make some modern jewelry you treasure and wear.
Pro Tip: A home equity loan is a great way to access fast cash. Take a minute right now and see how much you can get, how fast you can get it and how little you’ll pay.
6. Retro Electronics
Old electronics, from vintage radios to early gaming consoles, often attract nostalgia-driven buyers. Collectible items like rotary phones (especially those in fun colors like pink or mint green) or vintage cameras and video game consoles can be worth far more than you’d expect.
For example, a vintage rotary phone in mint condition can fetch $100-$300, while an original Atari 2600 console might be worth $150-$500. Search for similar items on eBay to assess the worth of retro electronics.
7. Antique Books
Books from certain periods can hold significant value, particularly first editions, signed copies, or rare prints. Works by renowned authors such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, or early prints of classic novels like “Moby Dick” can be highly prized by collectors.
For instance, a first edition of “The Great Gatsby” can fetch anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000 depending on the condition and any accompanying signatures or notes.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got at least $100,000 in investments, check out a free service called SmartAsset. You fill out a short questionnaire and instantly get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors in your area.
8. Vintage Vinyl Records
If you’ve inherited a collection of vinyl records, there could be hidden treasures. Rare albums can fetch a significant sum, especially from artists like The Beatles, Elvis, or early jazz and blues artists. Condition matters, but even well-worn records can appeal to collectors.
A rare Beatles album, like a first pressing of “Please Please Me,” can sell for over $1,000, depending on the condition. Condition is key, but many albums from the 1960s and 1970s are worth at least $20-$50 each, even in less-than-perfect shape.
Pro Tip: Earn as much as possible on your emergency savings. For example, SoFi Checking is offering 4% interest, plus a potential $300 signup bonus. (May change without notice.)
9. Original Artwork
Whether created by an unknown artist or a celebrated painter, original artwork can often surprise you with its value. From watercolors to oil paintings, don’t be too quick to dismiss a piece that looks “rough” or “naive.” These works can sometimes command thousands, especially if the artist is well-regarded or the piece has historical significance.
For example, works by artists like Norman Rockwell can easily fetch tens of thousands at auction, while other pieces by lesser-known artists might still command prices in the low thousands. Research each piece carefully or consult an art appraiser for more insight.
Turn Your Inheritance Into Cash
Before you overlook your inherited items, take a moment to evaluate their worth. Your heirlooms could hold hidden treasures, from rare coins to vintage holiday decorations.
Research, appraisals, and patience are key to uncovering their actual value. By taking the time to explore your inheritance, you might find yourself sitting on a small fortune!
