10 ‘60s Collectibles That Could Be Worth a Small Fortune Now

The 1960s were a defining decade for pop culture, music, and everyday American life, and plenty of items from that era have become highly desirable to collectors. What may seem like ordinary clutter at an estate sale, thrift shop, or in your attic could actually have strong resale value.

Here are 10 collectibles from the ‘60s that have fetched hundreds of dollars or more.

Editor’s note: Market estimates are based on eBay prices at the time each item was posted, unless otherwise stated.

Amazing Fantasy #15 comic

Estimated market value: $42,900

Spider-Man made his first appearance in the 1962 issue Amazing Fantasy #15. Today, that comic can command enormous prices from collectors; a copy in excellent condition even sold for $3.6 million through Heritage Auctions, placing it among the most expensive comic books ever sold.

Although it is valuable, the comic is not extremely scarce, so it could turn up in an inherited comic collection. A copy in decent condition, graded by the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), has recently been listed on eBay for more than $40,000.

1960s rookie baseball cards

Estimated market value: $870

Any baseball card from the 1960s that might be valuable is worth researching, especially Topps issues. According to Giant Sports Cards, rookie cards for players who later built standout careers are especially sought after.

For example, a 1968 Mets rookie card featuring Nolan Ryan and Jerry Koosman has drawn attention on eBay with an asking price of $870, and Giant Sports Cards says a mint card could be worth six figures.

Vintage Ethan Allen wood tables/cabinets

Estimated market value: $750

Midcentury modern furniture reached its peak in the 1960s, favoring clean lines and practical design. Ethan Allen wooden pieces from that period remain in demand, and many retro-style side tables, nightstands, dressers, and cabinets in good condition have recently sold on eBay for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Other midcentury modern names, including Eames, are also worth watching for.

Tonka flatbed tow truck

Estimated market value: $575

Tonka trucks were first made in 1947 by Mound Metalcraft, later known as Tonka Toys. Vintage trucks from the 1950s through the 1970s are often valuable to collectors. A worn red flatbed tow truck from the 1960s recently sold on eBay for $575.

Vintage Tonka pieces can usually be recognized by the Tonka logo and their heavy steel construction.

1967 talking G.I. Joe

Estimated market value: $295

Any vintage G.I. Joe figure from the 1960s may be worth money, but talking versions from 1967 often sell for more than $200 on eBay. The figure wears green army fatigues and has a pull dog tag that triggers lines such as, “G.I. Joe, U.S. Army, reporting for duty.”

A well-preserved figure with the talking feature still working recently sold for $295.

Chatty Cathy dolls

Estimated market value: $280

Chatty Cathy was the first mass-produced talking doll, a major novelty when it debuted in 1960. Collectors still commonly pay more than $100 for these dolls, even when they show wear or the talking mechanism is imperfect.

One restored Cathy recently sold on eBay for $280.

‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’ record

Estimated market value: $200

A used first-press copy of Bob Dylan’s 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan can still bring in money on the resale market, typically ranging from about $50 to $200. Copies that sell for more than $100 are usually in excellent shape or still in their original shrink wrap.

There is also an exceptionally rare stereo pressing that contains four tracks later replaced before the official release; that version sold for $150,000 at Heritage Auctions.

Redline Hot Wheels

Estimated market value: $200

Redline Hot Wheels debuted in 1968 and are identified by the red stripe on their wheels. Their value depends on the model and condition, and the best examples have sold for hundreds of dollars.

The estimate here is based on a recently sold 1968 blue ‘36 Ford Coupe that came in its original packaging.

1963 original Easy-Bake Oven

Estimated market value: $145

Although Easy-Bake ovens became especially popular later on, they were first created in the 1960s.

An original early-1960s Easy-Bake oven — a small turquoise model with pans and tools for baking cookies and cakes — is a prized find for collectors. One working example recently sold on eBay for $145.

1964 Kennedy silver half dollar

Estimated market value: $56

After President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, the U.S. Mint issued silver half dollars bearing his portrait. The coins are not rare, since hundreds of millions were produced, but they can still bring solid money if they are in excellent condition.

While the typical price is around $50 on eBay, a very high-grade example once sold for $57,600, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

Bottom line

Some of these valuable 1960s collectibles may still be tucked away in an attic or basement, but for many people, searching garage sales and estate sales for overlooked finds is a fun way to earn extra cash.

The key is to learn which kinds of ‘60s memorabilia tend to sell well and to inspect potential purchases for wear, missing parts, and other issues that could affect value.