10 Vietnam War Items That Collectors Prize
The Vietnam War remains a haunting yet fascinating time in history, and nearly half a century later, collectors are still willing to pay top dollar for authentic relics tied to the conflict. From battlefield gear to sentimental heirlooms, these items are steeped in history and can command a pretty penny on the resale market. Whether it’s a nostalgic Zippo carried by an American soldier or a dinged up helmet that’s survived many battles, here are 10 pieces of Vietnam War memorabilia that have gone up in value.
1. Flight Helmets and Survival Gear
Aviation gear remains a top-tier collectible, with those bearing handwritten markings, squadron patches, or battle damage commanding the highest prices. Gear with matching survival bags (like this combo set that comes with a helmet, bag, and mask) can sell for upwards of $500 at auction. If you stumble upon gear with ties to famous units like the “Wild Weasels” (F-105 SAM hunters) or acclaimed prisoners of war (POWs), they’ll likely be even more valuable.
2. Combat Uniforms
Uniforms worn by U.S. soldiers, especially those donning unit patches and name tags, are hot commodities among collectors. Jackets with Special Forces insignia, Airborne patches (like this brigade jacket that’s listed for close to $300), or division markings (like this leather aviator jacket that sold for $1,900) are considered especially rare and valuable. That said, even your run-of-the-mill uniform can sell for a few hundred — just take this vintage combat set that’s listed for $800.
3. NVA Pith Helmets
The “boonie hat” or pith helmet worn by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) is another prized war relic. Unlike mass-produced gear, these helmets were typically handmade by villagers from pressed cardboard, bamboo, or even scavenged U.S. helmet liners. Designed to shield soldiers from the unforgiving sun, they’re now cherished by collectors for their guerrilla warfare connection. In 2020, one of these NVA helmets sold for $650 at auction.
4. Engraved Zippo Lighters
During the war, American soldiers would personalize their Zippo lighters with things like unit insignias, dates, or mottos. Seen as morale boosters, trading items, and sometimes last mementos, these Zippos have since soared in value thanks to their historical and sentimental appeal. Though prices vary quite a bit, you can expect to pay between $60 to over $300 for one.
5. Dog Tags
Dog tags are deeply personal relics that carried a soldier’s identity into battle. As such, collectors are willing to pay big bucks for tags linked to famous POWs or squadrons like the 101st Airborne. Though not as valuable as some of the other items on this list, tags featuring service records or dispatch letters are especially coveted and can sell for over a hundred.
6. Propaganda Leaflets
During the war, both sides dropped millions of propaganda flyers in hopes of demoralizing the enemy and encouraging defection. Made to crumble in the jungle’s scorching heat and humidity, most rotted away within weeks, making surviving copies extremely rare. The most valuable are psychological operation (psy-op) leaflets like the “Wandering Soul” ghost tapes, which were designed to exploit Vietnamese superstitions. In 2013, a set of 32 leaflets sold for over $700 at auction.
7. Commemorative M16 Rifles
Praised for its lightweight design, the M16 was the standard-issue U.S. rifle in Vietnam. Early models (like the semi-automatic CAR-AR) are collector’s gold, especially those featuring unit engravings or provenance. One sold for $1,320 at auction.
8. NVA Banners
Though most were destroyed during the war, surviving NVA flags from enemy forces are considered rare and tangible relics of the conflict. Today, these red-and-yellow banners, particularly those featuring markings, stains, or battle damage, are especially valuable. One set consisting of VietCong propaganda and banner sold for $150 at auction in 2022.
9. Medals & Ribbons (With Documentation)
While medals like the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, or Paratrooper Wings are valuable on their own, those that come with attached paperwork or archival photos can be worth much more. Case in point: This set of “lightly soiled” early South Vietnamese medals that sold for $300 at auction.
Pro Tip: Fake Vietnam-era medals run rampant. To avoid being duped, look for government-engraved names or verifiable unit records on the back of medals to check for authenticity.
10. Ho Chi Minh Trail Maps
These hand-drawn NVA maps guided communist troops between the North and South to secure supplies like weapons, gear, and food through treacherous jungle paths. Offering insight into the enemy’s movements, they’re considered super rare today, with single copies selling for around $55. Another rare map of Vietnam from 1969 is also listed for $150.