For many, the 1970s was the best time of their life. There was a lot to love during that time. Some of the highlights of the decade include the “Star Wars” films, the rise of early home computers, and the introduction of the betamax. The decade was also famous for many toys, kitchen items, and daily conveniences that many took for granted and even discarded during the time. However, as we’ll find out, times have changed, and there are many items from the 70s that are now worth a fortune.
You’ll see items on this list in a variety of categories. There are devices that seemed so new back then but are now relics, like typewriters and tape players. There are also a number of toys on this list. Some were unique to the time while others have newer variations today, like Batman and Star Wars toys. You’ll even see some items that seemed mundane at the time, like kitchenware that has shot up in value since that time. When we go over each item, we’ll tell you how popular the items were then and what they could be worth today.
To find the items from the 70s that are now worth a fortune, we scoured the internet to find the greatest items from the decade. We used financial websites like Moneywise, historical sources, including Country Living Magazine, and modern sources like Esquire to find the best entries. Once you’re done learning about the hidden gems from the decade, continue your learning with the fashion trends from the 70s we will never see again.
Vintage Lunch Box
How Big Was the Vintage Lunch Box During the 70s?
Back in the 1970s, kids didn’t always have warm lunches available at school or the ability to get fast food. Instead, many brought their lunches in a metal box. There were a variety of options available and many boxes featured classic characters, including Nancy Drew, Davy Crockett, The Munsters, Hogan’s Heroes, and Star Wars-themed boxes amongst others. While everyone had one back then, it was more of a convenience than this grand thing that many of us think of today. The box often also contained a thermos for hot or cold drinks, and it was a great thing to have.
What is a Vintage Lunch Box Worth Now?
Like many collectibles, the collectability will depend on the condition of your lunch box and the characters emblazoned on it. Put your lunch box on eBay and see what happens. In the past, lunch boxes have fetched between $600 and $1,000. Some of the most sought-after boxes, including Dudley Do-Right models, have even sold for as much as $2,900. You just need the right collector to come around. Some collectors search for certain items. For instance, there are big fans of the musical group The Beatles who will pay a good price for a Beatles lunch box.
Unique Pennies
How Big Were Pennies During the 70s?
Most people used cash in the 1970s, and so they valued their money and the coins in their pockets. During the decade, there were issues with the printing presses so some unique pennies were created and circulated out to the public. Some pennies, like the “1974-S Reverse Brockage of 1973-S Penny” had the president facing the wrong way. Other pennies, like the “1970-S Small Date Penny” had a smaller date than usual while others had a larger date. If you have unique pennies, you may have one of the items from the 70s that are now worth a fortune.
What is a 1970’s Penny Worth Now?
The money you make on a 1970s penny in 2024 will depend on the type of penny you have, but needless to say, you could turn one cent into thousands of dollars. If your pennies have smaller or larger dates, they can be sold for upwards of $24,000 when sold on the collector’s market. It’s not always easy to tell when the dates are the wrong size, so you really need to pay attention or bring the pennies to an expert so you know you’re selling the real deal. Note not every unique penny will be worth something.
Typewriters
Portrait of bearded literature author in glasses typing on vintage typewriter. Creative people concept
How Big Was the Typewriter During the 70s?
Easily some of the most recognizable items from the 70s that are now worth a fortune are high-quality typewriters. These were the precursors to the personal computer that most of us have today. Just like how we use computers for just about everything today, the typewriter was a “do it all machine” that people used to type letters, stories, screenplays, shopping lists, and everything in between. Back then, the standard typewriter cost between $125-$500 depending on the model and appearance.. It was a bit of an expense, but everyone still had one.
What is a Typewriter Worth Now?
In the year 2024 and beyond, there is no need for the average person to own a typewriter. A computer can do everything a typewriter could in addition to a million other functions. However, many writers and novelists still like the idea of typing their stories with an authentic typewriter, and so they’ll pay good money for it. There are also people who don’t write for a living but still collect colorful and unique typewriters. If you have a typewriter that you think would draw attention, put it on eBay and you could earn between $50-$1,200.
PEZ Dispensers
How Big Was the PEZ Dispenser During the 70s?
While the PEZ dispenser was actually invented and showcased at the Vienna Trade Fair in 1949, the fun toy/candy dispenser was still incredibly popular during the 1970s. Just like today, there were countless PEZ dispensers back then. Every new cartoon, movie, business, and pop culture phenomenon had its own dispenser, and all the kids wanted to have them. Of course, like most toys, many kids tore their dispensers apart, so vintage options are rare, but if you have one, you could make money. Having the original box helps, but even if you don’t, you could be in luck.
What is a PEZ Dispenser Worth Now?
If you have had a PEZ dispenser from decades in the past, then you may have a chance to make some money, but know that certain models will earn more than others. One of them is the “Landerbank Hippo A,” which was from a European bank. If you had that one, you could potentially sell it for more than $600. There’s also a dispenser that features Captain Hook, and you could sell that for upwards of $1,000. A special soft-head Donald Duck dispenser could fetch a similar price. Check with a collector if you think you have something.
Cuckoo Clock
How Big Was the Cuckoo Clock During the 70s?
While Cuckoo Clocks have been popular since their original invention during the 1730s, they had a resurgence in the 1970s. Part of it was the style as well as the fact that clocks were also getting more advanced, with updated features. Cuckoo clock builders from around the world were paying attention to detail and making wonderful designs. Of course, not all cuckoo clocks are equal. You’ll need to look at several factors to sell a clock for a big price. Many older people also like the idea of a high-quality cuckoo clock, so there could be money to be made there.
What is a Cuckoo Clock Worth Now?
If you have a cuckoo clock from the 70s or before, there’s a chance that you could get thousands of dollars on the collector’s market. There are several factors to consider. One is the design. The more intricate the design, the more money you could make. The other is the sounds and songs your clock makes. If your clock plays a detailed melody, you could earn good money. There are also cuckoo clocks with 8-day mechanisms, meaning you only have to wind it every eight days. Find one of those and you’re in business.
Obi-Wan Kenobi with Double-Telescoping Lightsaber
How Big Was the Obi-Wan Kenobi Toy and Star Wars Memorabilia During the 70s?
The first “Star Wars movie, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” came out in 1977. It was an immediate hit, and it didn’t take long for the toys and action figures to come out of the woodwork. Children loved everything about this series, and the toys and characters became more popular with each new movie that came out. This special Obi-Wan Kenobi toy from Kenner was special with its special double-telescoping lightsaber. However Kenner made changes to the toy over time so this original model is relatively rare and is quite valuable.
What is an Obi-Wan Kenobi with a Double-Telescoping Lightsaber Worth Now?
If you happen to have the original toy with the packaging and it’s in pristine condition then you could be able to get over $70,000 on the collector’s market. That’s what a recent seller was able to get at auction, but it’s not always guaranteed. There are other Star Wars toys that could earn you a bundle of cash, including the Darth Vadar and Luke Skywalker toys with double-telescoping lightsabers, Kenner’s Walrus Man, the Sonic Controlled Land Speeder, and Star Wars collector’s cards, including 1977 Topps Luke Skywalker and 1977 Topps Han Solo Space Pirate.
Sony Walkman TPS-L2
How Big Was the Sony Walkman During the 70s?
Many of the items from the 70s that are now worth a fortune are electronics, and you may have one of value hidden in the back of a drawer somewhere. One of the most lightly sought after models is the original Sony Walkman TPS-L2, released in 1979. It was made from aluminum and was barely larger than the cassette tape it played. The Walkman was an immediate hit with kids who carried them around at home, school, the park, and anywhere else they went. It was amazing that they could play their favorite music from anywhere.
What is a Sony Walkman TPS-L2 Worth Now?
If you have a Sony Walkman TPS-L2 and you’re willing to part ways, you could make at least $600 by selling it on eBay or within the collector’s market. You’ll make even more if it still works, you still have the original manual, and there are barely any scratches on it. One of them, in near-perfect condition, sold for over $2,000. The model is popular because of its sleek blue appearance, which makes a statement even today. Plus, people love vintage accessories these days, and many people still have their original cassette tapes, so it’s a no-brainer.
Antique Pyrex Kitchenware
How Big Was Pyrex Kitchenware During the 70s?
Pyrex kitchenware was a popular item back in the day because the containers kept food fresh, and the Pyrex of the past was also beautifully colored and decorated. That meant that it was functional and also stylish in a way that impressed people around the table when it was time to eat. Things were also made better back in the day, and so Pyrex was built to last. With all that said, Pyrex kitchenware was just a common item back in the day. Most people then probably would not believe it would be as popular as it is today.
What is Pyrex Kitchenware Worth Now?
These are some of the items from the 70s that are now worth a fortune, but it’s hard to believe just how popular they have become. Some vintage Pyrex cookware sells for as high as $5,000 on Etsy. Many times, the Pyrex kitchenware came in a larger set, which could earn you even more. If you have an old Pyrex dish and it has a unique design on the front, bring it to an appraiser because it may be a rare item. Of course, the fewer knicks and scratches your bowl has, the more valuable it will be.
Air Raid Atari Game
How Big Was Air Raid During the 70s?
Games for the Atari 2600 may seem archaic by today’s standards, but in the 1970s, there was nothing like them. It was unbelievable to kids that they could play arcade games from the comfort of their living room. Anyone who liked video games had an Atari system, and many games were created for it. However, while most Atari games can be purchased for less than $10 in 2024, one of them, Air Raid, was special. Only a few copies were made, and it had a unique design. Instead of the standard rectangular shape, the Air Raid cartridge had a handle!
What is Air Raid Worth Now?
The Air Raid game cartridge is one of the rarest items from the 70s that are now worth a fortune. The developer, Men-A-Vision, only made this one game and produced limited copies. The fact that the cartridge is the only one with a handle makes it easy to insert into the system and helps it to stand out in a collection. While prices fluctuate, if you have the Air Raid game in its original packaging and it’s in good shape, you could get over $3,000 at auction. Even with the cartridge by itself, you could still make $8,000.
1970’s Batman Toys
How Big Was Batman During the 70s?
Many superhero shows and comics were coming out during the 1970s, but none were more exciting than Batman. There was the Batman TV show and Batman comics, and there were many toys that stemmed from them. This superhero separates himself from the rest by being a regular guy with a troubled past who decides to fight the evil of the world. He’s not just an overly powered space being. Plus, Batman is timeless, and there are just as many fans today as there were back then. That’s why many Batman toys were important, including the action figures, vehicles, and accessories.
What Are Batman Toys Worth Now?
There are various different Batman toys from the 70s that are valuable today. One of the early Batman action figures from 1976 can get close to $500 if it’s in the box. There was also a cool batmobile that was unlike anything kids had seen at that time, and some have sold for close to $800. Then there is the Batman utility belt, complete with decoder glasses and a communicator. One of these complete sets recently sold for over $3,000. Since you’re a Batman fan, you can also check out some of the most human and relatable superheroes.