The world of collectables is wide and can be quite lucrative for sellers who come by the right merchandise. Believe it or not, calendars from decades past, if kept in good condition, can sell for hundreds to the right buyer. Advertising calendars, which were put out by major companies like Coca-Cola in the mid-20th century, are often big sellers, and pinup girl calendars are sought after as well.
Selling collectables can be a simple and fun way to make cash on the side from home, so keep an eye out for these 10 calendars that have been known to sell for hundreds online.
Editor's note: All market values were sourced from eBay unless otherwise noted.
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1947 Esquire pinup girl calendar
Pinup girl calendars were extremely popular in the mid-20th century, and collectors are still willing to pay big bucks for well-preserved editions. A 1947 12-month The Esquire Girl calendar, made by iconic pinup artist Alberto Vargas, originally sold for just 35 cents, but today, it's attracting plenty of attention with a $215 asking price on eBay.
1956 Crown Cork & Seal Co. 'Dizzy Dean' calendar
Another vintage calendar that doubles as a fun piece of history is the 1956 edition from Crown Cork & Seal Company, which features MLB Hall of Famer and former pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, 'Dizzy Dean'. The calendar is framed and in good condition, and appears likely to nab its $795 asking price on eBay.
1923 Coca-Cola calendar
Like many other popular brands in the early 20th century, Coca-Cola would often release calendars to promote its products and name. A 1923 calendar, featuring a full 12-month pad and a photo of a young woman enjoying a soda, is currently listed on eBay for nearly $800. It comes well-maintained in a solid wood frame.
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1997 Pillsbury Doughboy figurine calendar
It's not a paper calendar, but this fun, vintage piece from Pillsbury has been known to sell for big bucks. The display features 12 Doughboys, one for each month, and movable numbers so the calendar can be rearranged and used month after month and year after year. The going rate for the '90s calendar display is around $225.
1970s Rolex calendar cards
Rolex calendar cards from the 1970s and '80s, while extremely simple, easily sell for well over $100 on the resale market. A simple green and white card featuring calendars for 1977 and 1978 and rulers running along the sides is attracting plenty of attention on eBay with an asking price of nearly $170.
1920s bronze bank calendar
You may think of a desk calendar as more of an antique, but it does serve the same purpose as a wall calendar, and an antique bronze piece could be worth a lot. A solid bronze bank desk calendar thought to be from the 1920s with moving pieces so it can be used year after year, for example, is currently listed on eBay for $950.
1939 'Three Little Pigs' National Life & Accident Insurance calendar
Keep your eyes peeled for advertising calendars from the National Life and Accident Insurance Company as well, particularly those from the first half of the 20th century. A 1939 calendar poster features The Three Little Pigs — and a big bad wolf stomping away angrily in the background, presumably because the pigs have life insurance. The going rate on eBay is about $140.
1931 Thos. D. Murphy Co. calendar
Thos. D. Murphy Co. is widely lauded as the creator of the art calendar, so any vintage items from the company's heyday could be valuable to the right collector. A 1931 version with the theme, "The Glory That Was Greece," is a colorful example of some of the stunning work the company put out. It is currently listed for $150 on eBay.
1955 Sun Crest Soda calendar
Vintage advertising calendars from major players in the soft drink world tend to attract plenty of attention from collectors as well. A Sun Crest Soda calendar from 1955 is packed with photos and imagery that feels like a time capsule, and even with some expected wear and tear, it's attracting interest on eBay with a $150 asking price.
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1970s cloth towel calendars
In the 1960s and '70s, cloth calendars that could help you keep track of the date and double as a tea towel or kitchen linen were quite popular. Today, most vintage cloth towels from the era are listed for around $20 to $30 on eBay, but some rarities command higher prices. A 1972 calendar featuring a retro red Cadillac from the early 20th century is listed for nearly $100.
Bottom line
Vintage calendars may be lesser known in the world of collectibles, but there is certainly a market for them, and advertising calendars were common enough that you may have some in your home or be able to find a few at a local thrift store.
While selling calendars and other vintage items may be a relatively simple way to supplement your income, be sure to check the recently sold tab on eBay to get a better idea of fair prices before listing any finds online.
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