Sorting through years of accumulated belongings can be overwhelming when you inherit a home or property.
But before you rush to toss or donate everything, take a moment to consider: Some of those seemingly ordinary items might be worth a surprising amount of money.
From vintage cookware to rare books, here are some things to look for—they might be worth more than you think!
1. 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 set of vintage Revere Ware copper-bottom cookware can sell for $50-$200, depending on the condition and completeness.
2. 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.
3. 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 Search for jewelers who create contemporary pieces using stones from outdated settings; they may be interested in purchasing some of your pieces—or you might choose to create some modern jewelry that you treasure and wear.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 toss your inherited items, take a moment to look for hidden treasures. Whether it’s vintage cookware, rare coins, or collectible vinyl, you might have valuable items waiting to be discovered. Don’t rush—take stock of what you have, and you might find something worth much more than you expected.
Consider selling through online marketplaces, consignment shops, or auction houses. Always check the current market value before parting with any item, and you could turn your inheritance into something even more valuable!
