15 Valuable Collectibles From the 1950s
- - - 15 Valuable Collectibles From the 1950s
Alina WangJune 25, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Several plush teddy bears, mostly beige and brown, sit together in a black container at what appears to be a market or sale. The background shows blurred objects and other items on display.
Time has a funny way of turning everyday items into goldmines. Just ask this guy who sold a 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card for $12.6 million. From mid-century modern furniture to first-edition comic books and vintage toys, the things you or a family member tossed aside can now fetch impressive amounts at auction. Whether it's a rusty Coca-Cola sign or a classic car gathering dust in the garage, the '50s left behind a legacy of nostalgia that's worth serious dough today.
Here are 15 everyday items from the '50s that have soared in value.
1. Original Barbie Dolls
dollsgalore_1954 / ebay
Barbie debuted in 1959, and the original dolls in their striped swimsuits can be very valuable — especially if they're still in their packaging. Collectors cherish them not just for their nostalgic appeal, but also as a way to remember the changing (and fleeting) trends in fashion, culture, and societal norms.
2. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Flickr/Melinda Young Stuart (CC BY)
The '50s were all about sleek, functional design, with names like Charles and Ray Eames becoming synonymous with style and prestige. Today, some of these lounge chairs, tables, and storage units are considered art pieces by collectors and history buffs.
3. Coca-Cola Memorabilia
1stDibs
Coca-Cola was everywhere in the '50s, and the items used in advertising — like vintage signs, coolers, and bottles — are now seen as nostalgic collectibles. Evoking a sense of classic Americana, items like neon or tin Coke signs can command top dollar.
4. Vintage Board Games
eBay
Vintage board games that came out in the '50s (think Risk, Diplomacy, and Yahtzee) have soared in value today. Offering a unique glimpse into the past, games with unique artwork, or those that are part of limited runs, reflect the culture of the time and are considered ultra-rare and valuable.
5. Steiff Teddy Bears
eBay
Produced in the 1950s, Steiff teddy bears were known for their craftsmanship, unique design, and trademark "button in ear." Originals have sold for $2,500 and more at auction.
6. First-Edition Comic Books
crisserbug/istockphoto
The '50s were also a booming time for comic books, with superheroes like Green Lantern, the Flash, and Supergirl taking center stage. First editions of these comics, particularly those in mint condition, can sell for hundreds of thousands.
7. Vintage Lunchboxes
masteraddamsgreatescape / ebay
Vintage lunchboxes featuring popular TV shows, movies, or characters from the '50s are another hot commodity. Today, a 1954 Superman lunchbox can list for close to $1,000 on eBay. These metal boxes don't just tap into the nostalgic factor, they're also vibrant works of art that capture the optimism of the era. If you have a matching thermos to go along, it could be worth even more.
8. Atomic Age Decor
Renata Tyburczy/istockphoto
The '50s were all about the Space Race and atomic optimism, which influenced everything from furniture to home decor. Items like starburst clocks, Sputnik-inspired chandeliers, and boomerang-shaped tables have soared in value today.
9. Record Players
Larina Marina/istockphoto
The '50s were the heyday of the record player, with vintage models like RCA Victor and Zenith becoming extremely valuable among audiophiles and fans of the era.
10. Vintage Handbags
helen89/istockphoto
Bright, colorful, and often adorned with quirky designs, vintage handbags from the '50s are a favorite among fashion collectors. Representing the playful, optimistic style and vibe of the era, they are often also associated with acclaimed designers like Bonnie Cashin that help drive up their value and demand.
11. Classic Cars
Chad Horwedel/Flickr
Muscle and classic cars from the era, like the Chevrolet Bel Air or Ford Thunderbird (especially those with unique chrome details or tailfins), are seen as symbols of American innovation and are highly cherished among car enthusiasts and collectors.
12. Vinyl Records
fikretozk/istockphoto
The '50s were the golden age of rock 'n' roll, jazz, and early R&B. As such, rare pressings of albums by legends like Elvis Presley, Miles Davis, or Chuck Berry can fetch staggering amounts at auction (think high thousands or even millions), especially if they're in mint condition or carry unique features and quirks like misprints or autographs.
13. Leica and Rolleiflex Cameras
lechatnoir/istockphoto
The '50s saw the rise of acclaimed camera brands like Leica and Rolleiflex, which are now prized by photographers and vintage collectors alike. Seen as not just tools, these cameras were also praised for their advanced design and craftsmanship.
14. Rolex and Omega Watches
pelucco/istockphoto
Watches from the '50s, particularly luxury brands like Rolex and Omega, are seen as timeless relics that increase in value over time. Thanks to their prestigious craftsmanship, rare models can sell for astronomical sums (think millions) at auction.
15. Advertising Signs
Carmen Martínez Torrón/Getty Images
Vintage advertising signs from the '50s, whether neon, tin, or porcelain, are another window into the past. Featuring bold, colorful designs, they were used to promote brands or products that have become everyday household items. Rare signs, especially those in mint or good condition, can sell for thousands of dollars today.
In fact, even those in "used" condition can snag a pretty penny thanks to buyers who value authenticity.
Looking for more valuable vintage items?
There's plenty that could be hiding out in your attic, including 10 Types of Valuable Vintage Fishing Gear, 15 Valuable Vintage Advertising Signs, and 10 Types of Valuable Vintage Maps.
The post 15 Valuable Collectibles From the 1950s appeared first on Wealth Gang.
Source: AOL Lifestyle
