The 1970s were a treasure trove of cultural and consumer items, many of which seemed like fleeting fads at the time. But some of these relics have gained incredible value over the years, turning what was once inexpensive or overlooked into sought-after collectibles. If you happen to have any of these 1970s items stashed in your attic, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
1. Star Wars Action Figures (1977)
The original Star Wars action figures by Kenner are some of the most valuable collectibles from the decade. Rare versions, like a vinyl-caped Jawa or a rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype, can fetch tens of thousands of dollars in mint condition. Even common figures in good shape are worth a pretty penny.
2. Pet Rock
A simple novelty item—a rock in a box—became a massive hit in the mid-1970s. While most Pet Rocks aren’t worth much, unopened ones in original packaging can sell for several hundred dollars as quirky collectibles.
3. Vintage Concert Posters
Concert posters for legendary ’70s bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, or Pink Floyd are highly desirable. If you have an original, especially one tied to a memorable tour, it could sell for thousands at auction.
4. Atari 2600 Game Cartridges
The Atari 2600 console launched in 1977, and some of its original game cartridges are now worth big money. Titles like Air Raid or Atlantis II are extremely rare, with collectors paying thousands for complete sets in good condition.
5. McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys
First introduced in the late 1970s, early Happy Meal toys have become nostalgic treasures. Sets tied to popular franchises like Star Trek or The Peanuts can bring in hundreds, especially if they’re still sealed.
6. Fisher-Price Little People (Pre-1986)
The chunky wooden Little People toys were a staple of ’70s playrooms. Certain rare sets, like the original parking garage or castle, are valuable today, with collectors paying hundreds for pristine versions.
7. Masters of the Universe Prototypes
While He-Man toys boomed in the ’80s, the concept for Masters of the Universe began in the late ’70s. Early prototype toys or rare figures, like the first runs of He-Man and Skeletor, are now highly prized. A prototype could sell for tens of thousands of dollars!
8. Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle Toy
The Evel Knievel craze of the ’70s inspired this wind-up stunt cycle toy, which remains a favorite among vintage toy collectors. Complete sets in working order can sell for upwards of $300.
9. Vinyl Records
Classic ’70s albums are highly collectible, especially first pressings of legendary records like Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours or Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. Rare finds in mint condition, such as obscure disco singles or promo copies, can sell for thousands.
10. Vintage Levi’s Jeans
Denim from the ’70s is a hot ticket for collectors and fashionistas alike. Levi’s jeans with the “Big E” on the red tab or orange tabs from the ’70s can fetch hundreds or even thousands, depending on their condition and style.
11. Star Wars Lunchboxes
Lunchboxes were huge in the ’70s, but Star Wars-themed ones are the holy grail. A metal Star Wars lunchbox with its matching thermos can sell for $1,000 or more in excellent condition.
12. First-Edition Stephen King Books
Stephen King exploded onto the literary scene in the ’70s, and first editions of his novels like Carrie or The Shining are now prized by collectors. A mint-condition first printing of Carrie can bring in thousands of dollars.
13. Mego Superhero Dolls
Mego Corporation’s superhero action figures from the ’70s, like Batman, Spider-Man, and Wonder Woman, are incredibly popular among collectors. Rare dolls in their original packaging can sell for thousands at auction.
14. Vintage Pyrex and Tupperware
Kitchens of the ’70s were full of vibrant Pyrex and Tupperware designs. Certain patterns, like the Pyrex “Butterfly Gold” or Tupperware’s bright orange and avocado green pieces, are highly collectible today. Sets in excellent condition can bring in several hundred dollars.
Dig Through Your Attic, Dust Off Your Memories
Who would’ve thought that some of the everyday items from your ’70s childhood could turn into modern-day treasures? Whether it’s toys, household items, or even books, the value of these relics is a testament to the cultural impact of the decade. If you’ve got any of these lying around, you might just have your next treasure hunt mapped out.
