9 Collectibles That Aren’t Worth Squat

If you’ve ever found old toys lying around, you might wonder if they could help make extra money. But contrary to popular belief, many collectibles aren’t as valuable as they used to be.

The demand for consumption means more types of collectibles have been mass-produced over the last several decades, which makes many today a fraction of their original value. These collectibles will often end up donated or collecting dust rather than making a profit.

If you’ve been holding onto any of these nine items, now may be the time to minimize your collection.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (2022): $12.6 million

Baseball cards flourished in the 19th century when candy and cigarette companies put them in their packaging to increase sales. 

This move bred the baseball card business. In the 80s, there was a boom in valuable cards, but overproduction by card companies looking to meet the demand led to a drop in value.

In 2022, the most expensive single baseball card sold on record for $12.6 million. However, that isn’t the case for most cards. You'll likely receive $1-$3 each for them — definitely not a reliable way to get ahead financially.

“The Music Maker” 1981 Limited Edition (2021): $1,007.50

Franklin Mint distributed limited-edition collectible plates with Norman Rockwell paintings printed on them. Plates that originally sold for between $50 and $75 are now only worth between $8 and $18 each.

Auction house Mavin sold a Knowles Norman Rockwell Plate for over $1,000 as recently as three years ago, but most others are currently being listed for around $25.

“Adventure Bound” (2010): $71,200

Hummel figurines rose to popularity during World War II when people sent them to their loved ones. Modeled after drawings by Maria Innocentia Hummel, the market for small collector’s items boomed in the 1970s. The brand even had a national collectors club.

While most Hummels won’t be worth more than $3 now, some especially rare ones could be worth a couple of thousand dollars. Just don’t expect to sell off your collection to pay the rent.

Jurassic Park 6-Pog Hologram Set with Slammer: $1 million

When you hear the word “pogs,” bright, funky designs likely pop into your head. Unfortunately, this super popular plastic collector’s item from the early ‘90s is no longer worth much money.

Rare pogs and ones with factory errors are worth more than their counterparts, and if you have a Jurassic Park or Simpsons pog set, you may have it made. But don’t expect to get more than $1-$10 out of most of your favorites.

Princess Diana (2023): $900,000

While the Princess Diana bear is widely touted as one of the most valuable Beanie Babies, its value isn’t necessarily reflected in a resale. EBay has several of these listed, from 99 cents to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If you have a Chef Robuchon, a first-generation tagged Beanie, or a Billionaire Beanie in mint condition, they were some of the most valuable grabs in 2023. Besides that, you won’t be building much wealth.

Stefano Canturi Barbie (2010): $302,500

As popular as Barbie is, that doesn’t mean the old collectibles are deepening in value. Barbies can really only get you a pretty penny if they’re in mint condition, and that’s only some of them.

If the doll is modeled after a historical figure, is really old, is born out of a collaboration, or was a limited release, it may get you a decent chunk of change. 

However, many Barbies in good condition are being sold on eBay for $8-$20. They'll probably average $2-$5 in a bin at your garage sale.

PSA 10 Illustrator Pikachu (2022): $5,275,000

Pokémon cards debuted in Japan in 1996 and have existed at some level of popularity with a cult following since. The most expensive to have ever sold cost the buyer a traded Illustrator Pikachu card in addition to $4 million.

But that’s not the norm for Pokémon, especially since they’re so widely produced today. Common and uncommon cards will usually sell for less than $1 each, rare cards will fall within $10, and holographic cards could get you up to $50.

1934 Lionel Gauge Standard Train Set: $250,000

In this age of technology, model trains aren’t as popular as they once were. Many collectors who invested years of their lives into their setups are finding that selling them off isn’t turning a profit as they hoped.

Like any collector’s item, if you have a full set and it hasn’t been destroyed, it may be worth some money. The model trains that sold for the most were in a complete set and in perfect mint condition. 

But you may want to keep your model trains as decor. Most old and newer versions are practically worthless.

"Inverted Jenny" stamp (2023): $2 million

Stamp collecting – or philately – has been a popular hobby since the 1850s. But because stamps are made in such large quantities so often, they aren’t really worth as much as you would have thought.

Like baseball cards, you often need a collection or a really old, well-preserved stamp to make any money. 

The most expensive U.S. postage stamp sold to date went for $2 million at auction — the high price due to its rarity (only 100 were printed) and age (it was printed in 1918).

When it comes to making money off of these collectibles, it might be time to clean out your collection. But any collector who gets real joy and use out of these items should feel free to continue enjoying and investing in them.

If you’re smart about your investments and keep an eye on the market, there are other lucrative ways to earn cash on the side.