The 1970s marked the release of beloved movies, toys, and cultural innovations. If you grew up during that time, you’ll remember the explosion of kids’ stuff and household items that defined the decade. Today, relics from that time can be worth a lot online. Here are 26 items from the ’70s you can sell for a lot today.
1. Punk Rock Concert T-Shirts
The 1970s marked the emergence of punk rock, which brought with it the trend of wearing band tees. Fans of popular bands such as The Sex Pistols and The Clash were not only listening to their music but also showing their support by sporting their band merchandise. It is worth noting that vintage punk rock concert T-shirts are currently priced very high on eBay and in vintage clothing stores.
2. Magnavox Odyssey
The Magnavox Odyssey was the world’s first video game console, released by Magnavox in 1972. It was designed by Ralph H. Baer, who had created a prototype known as the “Brown Box.” The console came with additional games and accessories, including a light gun, which you could buy separately. Although about 350,000 units were sold, it was not a big hit commercially compared to Pong, which was incredibly popular.
3. Ultrafragola Mirror
There’s a good chance you’ve seen this mirror a lot on Instagram! The “wavy” mirror was created in the ‘70s by an Italian architect, Ettore Sottsass, for a furniture company called Poltronova. The mirror is called Ultrafragola, which means “ultimate strawberry” in Italian, and it was made to celebrate femininity.
The funny thing is that it took years and years for people to realize how seductive it was—but now, according to 1stDibs, searches for the Ultrafragola mirror have gone up by 145%!
4. Kermit the Frog Doll
Long before he met the first lady, everyone’s favorite green frog made his screen debut in the 1970s. If you’re holding onto an original Kermit doll, it might be worth some money.
5. Tom and Jerry Lunchbox
If these two famous rascals are rattling around in your attic, you might be in for a pleasant surprise on eBay. Vintage lunchboxes can be worth hundreds of dollars depending on their condition.
6. Batman Action Figure and Original Batmobile
Action figures can fetch a pretty penny, especially if they’re in mint condition. An original 1976 Batman action figure is worth about $500—certainly an incentive to root around your garage for any lost toys.
7. Merry Mushroom Set from Sears
The Merry Mushroom collection by Sears from the 1970s holds nostalgic value and has become a sought-after vintage kitchenware set. Characterized by its whimsical mushroom-themed designs, featuring earthy tones of orange and brown, this kitchen set includes various items like canisters, plates, cups, and kitchen decor.
With its charming retro aesthetic, the Merry Mushroom set is beloved by collectors and enthusiasts of 70s decor, often fetching hundreds of dollars on sites like eBay and Etsy.
8. Vintage View-Master Reels
View-Master reels from the 1970s, showcasing popular themes like cartoons, travel destinations, or iconic movie scenes, have become sought-after collectibles. These reels, utilized with the classic View-Master toy, present vivid 3D images when viewed through the viewer. Well-preserved View-Master reels in their original packaging or featuring rare content can command considerable prices among enthusiasts.
9. Original Star Wars Action Figures
The first-generation Star Wars action figures released by Kenner in the late ’70s, particularly characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia, in mint condition and still in their original packaging are highly sought after by collectors.
10. Vintage Coca-Cola Memorabilia
Coca-Cola collectibles from the 1970s, including original signage, bottle caps, trays, and promotional items featuring the iconic logo and slogans, hold considerable value among soda memorabilia collectors.
Pieces showcasing retro designs, limited editions, or tie-ins with pop culture of the era, like the “Have a Coke and a Smile” campaign, fetch significant prices in the collectors’ market. Well-preserved items with vibrant colors and classic branding remain highly sought-after, appealing to both Coca-Cola enthusiasts and vintage memorabilia collectors.
11. Vintage Lunchboxes
Metal lunchboxes featuring popular TV shows or characters from the 70s, such as The Six Million Dollar Man, The Partridge Family, or Star Trek, in excellent condition with the matching thermos, can fetch considerable value among collectors.
12. Original Apple Computer
The Apple-1 computer, released by Apple Inc. in the mid-70s, is a highly coveted collector’s item due to its historical significance in the evolution of personal computing. Well-preserved units can sell for a significant sum at auctions.
13. Original Atari Consoles and Games
Early Atari gaming consoles like the Atari 2600 and rare game cartridges from the 70s, especially limited-edition titles or prototypes, hold significant value among vintage video game collectors.
14. First-Edition Vinyl Records
Iconic albums released in the ’70s by legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, or David Bowie, especially rare or limited edition pressings, can command high prices among vinyl record collectors.
15. 1970s Gibson Les Paul Guitars
Vintage guitars from Gibson, particularly the Les Paul models produced in the ’70s, in pristine condition and with original features, are highly prized by guitar collectors and musicians.
16. Early Sony Walkman Players
The pioneering portable cassette players released by Sony in the late ’70s, especially the first-generation Walkman models in working condition with their original packaging, are valuable to audio equipment collectors.
17. Punk Rock Concert Posters
Original concert posters from iconic punk rock bands and venues of the ’70s, like The Ramones, Sex Pistols, or The Clash, in good condition and featuring unique artwork, are sought after by music memorabilia collectors.
18. Vintage Concert Ticket Stubs
Original ticket stubs from legendary concerts and music events of the ’70s, especially featuring iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, or The Rolling Stones, hold value among music memorabilia.
19. First-Edition Stephen King Books
Rare or first-edition copies of novels by Stephen King released in the 70s, such as Carrie or The Shining, in excellent condition, can be valuable collectibles among book enthusiasts.
20. Comic Books
Rare comic books featuring superheroes like Spider-Man, the X-Men, or Batman from the ’70s, particularly in excellent condition with significant storylines or debut appearances, can command high prices among comic collectors.
21. Vintage Watches
Timepieces from Rolex manufactured in the ’70s, such as the Rolex Submariner or Daytona models, in pristine condition with their original parts, are highly desirable among watch enthusiasts and can command substantial prices.
22. Vintage Gucci Handbags
Iconic handbags and accessories from Gucci produced in the 70s, featuring the brand’s classic designs and made from high-quality materials, hold considerable value in the luxury fashion resale market.
23. Original Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts
Classic Polo shirts and clothing items from Ralph Lauren’s 1970s collections, featuring the iconic Polo logo and made from high-quality fabrics, are valued in the vintage fashion market.
24. Original Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls
The first-edition Cabbage Patch Kids dolls from the late ’70s and early ’80s, especially those with unique features or signatures by the creator Xavier Roberts, can be valuable in the doll collectors’ market.
25. Vintage Televisions
Rare or collectible televisions from the ’70s, such as early Sony Trinitron models or quirky designs like the Panasonic Orbiter, in functional condition and with original features, are sought after by vintage tech enthusiasts.
26. Rare Coins and Currency
Unique or limited-edition coins and currencies minted in the ’70s featuring errors, specific designs, or historic significance are sought after by coin collectors and numismatists.