Do You Have a Fortune $$$$$ Hiding in the Attic?

Mark Hill, an expert on the PBS show “Antiques Roadshow”, says that there are plenty of items collecting dust on shelves that could be worth hundreds – sometimes millions – of dollars. From decades-old games consoles to memorabilia from blockbuster film franchises, many people might have stashed away seemingly unremarkable items, not realising they could be valuable.

Next time you are clearing out the clutter, have a look for these “top 5”!

5. Comic books: From $70 up

Vintage comic books have long-been an established collectors’ item, but few people are aware of exactly how much money they can be worth. The most expensive comic book ever sold was the ‘Amazing Fantasy #15’ which featured the first ever appearance of Spider-Man. In 2021 the comic sold for 4.25 million dollars.  In general, comics focusing on DC, Marvel and similar characters are the most valuable.

4. Limited edition coins – $100 and up

Hill’s tip is “Look out for ‘coins related to key events, moments or people in history’ such as coins produced for the Platinum Jubilee. For example; anything that the Mint has issued in gold coinage should considerably increase in value within the next 5-10 years.’

3. Ceramics – up to $1500

Many people collect antique ceramics and figurines as somewhat affordable collectibles. Keep a special eye out for antique Royal Doulton pieces like dogs and other figures. Chinese porcelain specifically is of high value. In May of this year a Chinese porcelain vase that had been kept in a kitchen for several years sold for nearly 2.25 million dollars in the U.K. The owner’s father had bought same for just a few hundred pounds in the 1980s.

2. Costume jewellery: $5200

Some popular jewellery designers that rose to fame in the 1930s carry a high price-tag today, with a high demand for art-deco style accessories.  Mark Hill says look out for popular brands from the 1930s onwards, such as Miriam Haskell, Trifari, Dior, Chanel, Kenneth J Lane, and others.

1. First edition books – up to $125,000.

Did you know that early edition Harry Potter books can sell in the six figures. Check your storage hideouts for other first-edition classic books as well. For example, an early edition of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is currently up for sale for up to $3800. Even first edition versions of classic stories like Bridget Jones’s Diary can be sold for up to $775.

Other “treasures” to look out for: tribal art, wristwatches, wine and whiskey, clasic cars, fine art and mid-century furniture.

Happy Treasure Hunting!

Photo:  pixabay.com

Source:  dailymail.co.uk