1. Vinyl Records
The right vinyl from the ‘70s can be worth serious cash. Original pressings from iconic bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Pink Floyd (especially rare editions like The Dark Side of the Moon) are highly collectible. Limited edition colored vinyl or records with misprinted covers are particularly valuable, with some fetching thousands of dollars at auction.
2. Vintage Star Wars Action Figures
When Star Wars launched in 1977, kids everywhere raced to get their hands on the action figures. Fast-forward decades, and those tiny plastic Luke Skywalkers and Darth Vaders are worth a lot more than their original price. Mint-condition figures in their original packaging are the gold standard, with rare characters like Boba Fett fetching thousands.
3. McDonald’s Glassware
McDonald’s released collectible glassware throughout the ‘70s, from characters like Grimace and the Hamburglar to promotional tie-ins with the Peanuts and Disney. These fun glasses were everywhere back then, but a full set in pristine condition is surprisingly valuable today. Limited releases or holiday editions can bring in even more.
4. Pyrex and Fire-King Dishes
Colorful Pyrex and Fire-King dishes were the staple of every 1970s kitchen, with vibrant designs and sturdy glass construction. Certain patterns, like “Butterfly Gold” or “Spring Blossom Green,” are highly sought after by collectors, and a well-preserved set can fetch hundreds of dollars. Keep an eye out for unique colors and patterns!
5. Atari 2600 and Original Video Games
When the Atari 2600 hit the market, it changed home entertainment forever. Today, an original console in good condition—especially if it comes with original games and packaging—can fetch quite a bit of money. Early versions of games like Adventure and Pitfall! are also prized among gaming collectors.
6. Fisher-Price Little People
Fisher-Price Little People sets, especially those from the early ‘70s, are hot collector’s items now. These chunky wooden figures and their accessories—barns, houses, airports—bring nostalgic charm, and a complete set in good condition can fetch hundreds of dollars. Certain rarer sets, like the Sesame Street playhouse, are especially valuable.
7. Vintage Levi’s Jeans
Levi’s 501 jeans from the ‘70s are fashion collector’s gold. They were sturdy, stylish, and the exact look that many buyers are clamoring for today. Vintage denim, especially if it’s made in the U.S. with that classic red tab, can sell for hundreds—and even more if they’re deadstock or in mint condition.
8. PEZ Dispensers
PEZ dispensers have been collectible for years, but the ones from the ‘70s hold particular value. Characters like Santa, Batman, and classic animals in early designs can be worth a pretty penny, especially if they’re in their original packaging. Limited edition PEZ can go for hundreds to thousands of dollars.
9. Star Trek Memorabilia
When Star Trek aired in the 1970s, it developed a loyal fanbase, and memorabilia quickly became part of that fandom. Original Star Trek collectibles, such as phaser toys, lunchboxes, and action figures, have become rare treasures. Condition is everything, so mint packaging can make the difference between a nice find and a jackpot.
10. Harley Davidson Motorcycles
A classic Harley from the ‘70s? That’s a collector’s dream. Models like the Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide are particularly valuable today, especially if they’ve been preserved or restored. Vintage Harleys in excellent condition can be worth tens of thousands, so that old bike in your uncle’s garage may be a goldmine.
11. Smurfs Figurines
The Smurfs were everywhere in the ‘70s, and so were the little figurines that came with them. Figurines in mint condition, especially those with rare designs or limited releases, are surprisingly collectible. Some of these tiny blue friends, if kept in pristine shape, can be worth several hundred dollars each.
12. Board Games
Certain board games from the ‘70s have gained a cult following and become sought-after collector’s items. Games like Mystery Date, Masterpiece, and original Dungeons & Dragons sets can bring in serious money, especially if they’re complete and in good shape. The more niche the game, the higher the potential value.
13. Concert Posters
Concert posters from bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Grateful Dead are more than just memorabilia—they’re pieces of art. Posters that were once taped to bedroom walls in the ‘70s are now highly prized by collectors. Rare concert posters in excellent condition, especially first-printings, can bring in thousands.
14. Rotary Phones
There’s something distinctly nostalgic about rotary phones, especially those in bold ‘70s colors like avocado green and mustard yellow. While many were discarded over the years, these once-everyday items are now rare retro finds. In good working condition, they’re collectible and can be worth upwards of a few hundred dollars.
15. Coca-Cola Memorabilia
If you’ve ever stumbled across vintage Coca-Cola items from the ‘70s, you’re in luck. Items like metal signs, glass bottles with unique labels, and even classic Coca-Cola trays are in demand. If they’re in good condition, these pieces can be surprisingly valuable, especially to Coke collectors.
The 1970s left us with some pretty memorable items that have gone from everyday to extraordinary. If you find any of these treasures in your attic or basement, you just might be sitting on a small fortune.
