14 Things From the 1950s That Could Be Worth a Ton Today

A vintage tabletop setup featuring an old radio with a lace doily, a small wooden vanity mirror with lace detailing, and a black leather case, all placed on a wooden table with floral wallpaper in the background.
EyeEm Mobile GmbH/istockphoto

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 14 everyday items from the ‘50s that have soared in value.

1. Original Barbie Dolls

original barbie 1959
dollsgalore_1954 / ebay
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

A gallery room featuring modern furniture, including a black leather and wood lounge chair with an ottoman, another sleek black chair, and wooden frames against white walls. Minimalist design and geometric art pieces are displayed in the background.
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

A vintage Coca-Cola sign featuring the classic glass bottle image and the Coke logo in red script. The sign has a rusted, weathered appearance, suggesting it is aged and worn.
1stDibs
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

Vintage Risk board game set on a wooden surface. Includes the game box, board, cards, instructions, and various colored pieces. The box features a world map design. The pieces are organized by type.
eBay
eBay

Vintage board games that came out in the ‘50s (think Risk, Diplomacy, and Yahtzee) have soared in value today. Just consider this original Risk set, which came out in 1959 and is now selling for almost $100. 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. First-Edition Comic Books

A rack of 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.

6. Vintage Lunchboxes

1954 superman lunchbox
masteraddamsgreatescape / ebay
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.

7. Atomic Age Decor

A ceiling light fixture designed with multiple exposed bulbs radiating outwards on metal arms, resembling a starburst pattern, set against a dark ceiling. The bulbs emit a warm glow, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Renata Tyburczy/istockphoto
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.

8. Record Players

Christmas album
Larina Marina/istockphoto
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.

9. Vintage Handbags

Three handbags, reminiscent of vintage Coach bags, are arranged vertically on a white surface. In dark gray, light brown, and black with long straps and a minimalist design, the black one stands out with its chain strap and small clasp closure.
helen89/istockphoto
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.

10. Classic Cars

A blue classic car with white racing stripes is on display with its hood open at an outdoor car show. Another vintage car is visible in the background, and there are people and trees around under a sunny sky.
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.

11. Vinyl Records

A stack of vintage vinyl records sits on a table next to old books and magazines. A colorful magazine with images of people is partially visible in the foreground. The setting has a nostalgic, retro vibe.
fikretozk/istockphoto
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.

12. Leica and Rolleiflex Cameras

lechatnoir/istockphoto
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.

13. Rolex and Omega Watches

Rolex shop window
pelucco/istockphoto
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.

14. Advertising Signs

A vintage sign with large red letters spelling "CAFE" on a yellow background is topped with a weathered, yellow arrow pointing right. The sky is overcast, and mountains are faintly visible in the background.
Carmen Martínez Torrón/Getty Images
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.

Author
Alina Wang

From Queens, New York, Alina has a Bachelors degree in Corporate Communications from CUNY Baruch and enjoys writing and creating content on a variety of topics, including lifestyle, politics, and, of course, wealth trends. Find her on X @atlasseventeen