Do you have money waiting in your house to be discovered? Adam Koprucki, founder of Real World Investor, basically says yes; he says to check their attics, basements and garages for hidden treasures that are quietly gaining value.
“Most people throw away items that could pay for their retirement in just a few years,” Koprucki said. “The truth is, certain everyday objects sitting in your home might be worth more than your stock portfolio by 2030.”
Hidden Value
The investment guru explained that vintage technology tops the list of items set to explode in value over the next few years. He points to first-generation Apple products as a prime example of how an ordinary, everyday tech product can exponentially increase in value. “Original Apple products continue their rise in popularity among collectors. The first-generation iPhone, released in 2007, sold for $499 new, but sealed examples now fetch upwards of $20,000 at auction. By 2030, mint condition models could easily surpass $50,000,” Koprucki said. He also noted that vintage toys, figurines, comics and trading cards like Pokemon and others stashed in lofts and secret treasure boxes across the country have skyrocketed in value and cover, with some increasing by more than 500% in just five years.
An Expanding Market
The collectibles market in the US reached $62 billion in 2024 and shows no signs of slowing down. It’s kind of amazing to watch how with certain nostalgic items, particularly those from the 1980s and 1990s are now fetching astronomical sums at auction. It appears that five key categories that have seen the biggest growth in recent years: vintage video games, comic books, action figures, trading cards, and movie memorabilia. Koprucki explained that the condition is crucial when determining value. “Mint condition items in original packaging can be worth 10 times more than the same item that shows signs of play or damage.”
Nostalgia Brings Increased Value
“Most people don’t realize that the Star Wars figures they played with as kids or the Pokémon cards they collected could now fund a house deposit. Original Transformers toys from the 1980s in sealed packaging can sell for up to $20,000 each. First-edition Harry Potter books that cost less than $20 new can fetch over $50,000 today. The rarest Nintendo games from the 1980s and ‘90s can sell for over $100,000. A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for $2 million in 2021, a game that originally retailed for about $30,” he said.
He also noted not to forget the comic books that are sitting in your childhood closet or a box in your attic. The early graphic books remain strong performers, especially since the first appearances of popular characters that are now becoming movies are commanding premium prices. “A copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 featuring Spider-Man’s debut sold for $3.6 million. Many people have comics worth thousands sitting in storage without knowing it.”
According to data from Grand View Research, the US collectibles market is on target to reach $83.7 billion by 2030, growing at 5.3% annually. The explosion in value and rapid growth hasn’t gone unnoticed by traditional investors. It’s an exciting option that more and more are exploring. “We’re seeing people diversify their portfolios with collectibles. Unlike stocks or cryptocurrency, these items have tangible value, spark memory and delight as well as often pull strong emotional connections that drive demand. Art and antiques currently hold the largest market share, but memorabilia is (currently) the fastest-growing segment,” Koprucki noted. “This includes everything from concert t-shirts to movie props.”
Tips for the Wise:
“Online auction sites make it easier than ever to sell collectibles but knowing exactly what you have is crucial to getting top dollar. As the collectibles market continues to grow, now is a perfect time to dust off those forgotten childhood treasures. That box of baseball cards or old comic books could be worth more than its weight in gold.”
He notes that it is smart to get your items professionally appraised before selling. It gives you a chance to know what you are selling and the anticipated value of your loved items — before they find new homes.
