Discover the Most Expensive Collector’s Items on the Planet

Collecting rare and valuable items has long been a passion for many enthusiasts, and the allureof possessing unique treasures that span centuries is undeniable. In this article, we embark ona captivating journey through the realm of collectors' items, delving into the world's mostvaluable and coveted possessions. From pop culture to iconic historical artifacts, and beyond,we explore 40 extraordinary items that have not only captivated the imagination but alsocommanded astronomical sums in the realm of auctions and private sales. 1. Action Comics No.1 Comic Book Would you be interested in a collectible that originally sold for ten cents, but is now worth morethan $3 million? Action Comics No.1 Comic Book is considered the grandfather of the entiresuperhero genre and featured Superman, who helped propel these comic books toextraordinary popularity. The original print run was 200,000 books back in 1938, but it is widely believed that there areonly 100 or fewer still in existence. With so many collectors out there, it’s hard to imagine mostof them haven’t been snapped up already, but you never know what you might find in a box inyour attic! 2. Original 1959 Barbie Fashion dolls have been around since at least the 1500s, but none were made exclusively astoys for children until the 1900s. Mattel introduced the world to what would become the mostfamous fashion doll, Barbie, in 1959. The doll quickly became a success and now sells in morethan 150 countries at a rate of about 58 million dolls annually. An original Barbie, unopened in its original packaging is worth as much as $27,000. Even gentlyplayed-with dolls in good condition can fetch thousands at an auction. Be careful, though, therehave been reproductions made that are nowhere near the same value. 3. 1856 1-Cent Magenta Stamp from British Guiana Stamp collecting is one of those things that you either fall in love with or could care less about.However, the value of stamps to avid collectors can not be denied. The 1856 1-Cent MagentaStamp from British Guiana is one of the most valuable collectibles of all time and breaks recordsevery time it is sold. The current value of this stamp is estimated at around $10 million, although the sale price couldbe far higher. It has only changed hands on four occasions since being discovered by a child ina basement in Scotland in 1873. 4. Stephen Curry Autographed National Treasures LogomanRookie Card Sports trading cards seem to have always been popular, but these days collecting them is notjust a child’s game, it can be a serious investment. Basketball cards are currently one of themost popular with rookie cards usually being valued the highest. Names like Luka Doncic,Lebron James and Micheal Jordan can easily rake in millions of dollars. One of the largest and most publicized sales was that of a Stephen Curry Autographed NationalTreasures Logoman Rookie Card. It sold for a whopping $5.9 million! While this might be out ofyour price range, with new players entering the NBA every season, you can still get in on somegood deals if you follow the sport and can accurately speculate as to who will end up withrecord-breaking careers. 5. New York Yankee Bobblehead 1961-62 The super rare New York Yankee Bobblehead from the early 1960s is worth around $60,000. Inthis particular case, they are so valuable because there were only two made and they are hand-painted. Although the New York Yankee Bobblehead 1961-62 is one of the most valuable, there aremany collectible Bobbleheads out there that are worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Forexample, the 1964 Paul McCartney and George Harrison are worth $2,500, and the BostonPatriots AFL Nodder is worth $3,300. 6. 1927 World Series Ticket Stub Sports are a huge part of American culture and lore. There are many kinds of sportsmemorabilia, and some items can bring in big money. One type of memorabilia that seems toalways draw attention is that related to a single game or specific event. A 1927 World SeriesTicket Stub can be worth as much as $40,000 or more. A big part of what makes a 1927 World Series Ticket Stub so special is not just that it was aworld series or that it took place almost 100 years ago. The biggest factor in making this ticketspecial is that Yankees legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig both played in this record-breakinggame which is considered by many to be the best game ever played. 7. The Beatles’ White Album If you are lucky enough to remember The Beatles’ White Album coming out, you might alsoremember that it cost around $11 or $12, depending on where you bought it. Would you besurprised to know that the album is worth three-quarters of a million dollars now? Among other types of Beatle memorabilia, which is very popular, a normal copy of the album ingood condition is worth about $40. This particular copy sold for so much because it wasnumbered 0000001 and was owned by band member Ringo Starr himself. This just shows youthat the value is in more than the item, it is in the story the Item tells and how rare it is. 8. First Edition G.I. Joe Action Figure Hasbro is Mattel’s biggest competitor, and they released an action figure that in some waysrivaled the popularity of Barbie. Like Barbie, G.I. Joe sparked the imagination of youngsterseverywhere and spawned tons of related merchandise from accessories for the action figure tocartoons and movies. An original first edition G.I. Joe has been auctioned off for as much as $200,000. This first run ofthe toy soldier is much larger than the ones you may remember as a child. That is part of whatmakes it so unique and valued so highly. 9. “Birds of America” by James Audubon John James Audubon, whose last name now literally means bird watcher was an artist in thelate 19th century. He used his skill to record a vast array of birds by painting them in watercolor.His collection of paintings was compiled into a book titled Birds of America which was originallyprinted between 1827 and 1839. The original price of this set of four books was $126, and that was a steep price in the early1800s. “Birds of America” by James Audubon was sold at auction in 2018 for more than $10million. Should it ever be sold again, it would likely be worth far more than that. 10. Mark McGwire’s 70th Home Run Baseball It’s not just sports cards and tickets that have value as collectibles, but also the equipment thatwas used. This is certainly the case for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run baseball. This particularbaseball is now worth at least $3 million. While McGwire was a somewhat controversial figure due to the steroid scandal that plaguedbaseball at the time, he was undeniably one of the greatest power hitters in baseball. His 70thhome run placed him among the elite and etched his name in history books forever. That’s whatmakes this ball so special to collectors. 11. Coca-Cola Factory Error Soda Can Coca-Cola was founded in 1892 and has become one of the largest and most recognizedbrands in the world. The signature logo makes any memorabilia or even promotionalparaphernalia very valuable as a collectible. You can imagine that when there is a factory errorin printing because it is so rare, that makes a single item worth even more. That’s what has happened with Coca-Cola factory error soda cans. One can sold for half amillion dollars. That is an amazing return on investment when you consider it was only worthabout a dollar as a drinkable can of soda. 12. Flowing Hair Silver-Copper Dollar Like stamps, coins are a common thing to collect. Many coins gain value over the years and wehave all heard stories about people who randomly found a coin worth a crazy amount of money.However, the flowing hair silver-copper dollar is one that now has an extraordinary value. Thecoins were produced by the US Mint in 1794 and 1795. Coin. 1979.1263.00334. The 1794 version of the coin in near-mint condition has sold for over $10 million because it isthe rarest of American coins. The 1795 coins are more common, although no one knows exactlyhow many of them are out there. The 1795 dollar coin can fetch you anywhere from $60,000 onup. 13. License Plate Number 1 from Abu Dhabi Who doesn't enjoy a personalized license plate? While most settle for regular ones, some take itto the next level with creative and rare plates. It's a fun way to showcase personality or statuson the road. The rarest of these plates are the single digits because, of course, there are only nine of them. In Abu Dhabi, someone shelled out a jaw-dropping $14.3 million for the number 1 plate. Buthere's the twist: his check bounced, and he ended up with a three-year jail sentence for fraud.Yikes! It's a cautionary tale that proves even a fancy plate can't buy you out of trouble. 14. Honus Wagner Baseball Card If you thought Mark McGwire's baseball was impressive for raking in the big bucks, check outthe most valuable baseball card in the world. In 2021, the T206 Honus Wagner Baseball Cardset a new record for the most expensive baseball card. It sold for more than six and a halfmillion dollars. Wagner spent most of his two-decade career with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a shortstop. Hepersonally had the card pulled from production after just a few dozen had been printed. Therarity of the card as well as this particular card's fine condition help make it the most valuablebaseball card in history. 15. Zippo Lighter from 1933 Lots of people carry Zippo lighters. Today, they can range in price from around $10 up to $100or so for ones that are designed to be collectibles. Back in 1933, Zippos were new and were justa lighter. They came in several styles and materials and generally sold for less than a dollar.Now those original Zippos from the early 1930s are super collectible and working and in goodcondition and can bring in thousands of dollars at auction. At the height of their value as collectibles,one lighter sold for $18,000. Generally, you can still expect them to bring in hundreds orthousands of dollars. That’s pretty good for a 75-cent investment. 16. Pikachu Illustrator Pokemon Card Enter the captivating world of Pokemon, where the Pikachu Illustrator card shines as the mostcoveted and valuable card of all time! Dubbed "The Holy Grail," this card holds a hefty price tag,reaching millions in value. The fascinating part? It was obtained without spending a single dime.In a remarkable twist, the Pikachu Illustrator card was awarded as a prize in a competition fortalented artists who showcased their incredible Pokemon fan art. With only a few dozen ever printed, this card's rarity is what truly sets it apart. Back in 1998, therenowned Japanese Magazine, CoroCoro, hosted the contest that birthed these extraordinarycollectibles. If you're lucky enough to stumble upon one of these cherished Pikachu Illustratorcards, you've struck gold in the vibrant world of Pokemon! 17. Golden Lego Brick Legos are a really popular toy that most kids have played with at least once. If you didn't ownyour own set, it's likely that you still played with them at a friend's house, the doctor's office, oreven school. Lego sets can get pricey and often become collectibles as they offer specialedition sets associated with movies, cartoons, and famous places. One of the most unique Legos ever made was one made of solid 14-karat gold. It was initiallygiven to a Lego employee for a job well done. It has now entered the world of collectibles, andwhat was originally valued at about $205 (based on the weight of the gold) is worth almost$20,000. 18. Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll from 1985 This is another one of those crazes that you may remember from childhood if you are of aspecific age. The 1980s saw the rise of the Cabbage Patch Kids, which became an absolutemust-have for many youngsters. The cute-as-pie dolls were sold in the 1980s for around $25 but now can fetch hundreds ofdollars at auction. Many collectors will pay north of $1,000 for mint condition dolls, especiallythose that are hard to find, like the 1985 Teresa Ann Cabbage Patch Doll. She is now worth asmuch as $2,000. 19. 1978 Darth Vader Action Figure Action figures have become as popular with adult collectors as they are with the kids who playwith them. Add to that a major brand like Star Wars and you have a winning, high-valuecollectible. A great example is the 1978 Darth Vader Action Figure. The 1978 Darth Vader Action Figure originally sold for five dollars and is now worth almost$45,000. This vintage action figure is worth so much because it comes with a double-telescoping lightsaber. Other figures that include this style of lightsaber, such as LukeSkywalker and Kenobi are also high-dollar action figures. 20. 1982 World’s Fair Edition Pez Dispenser Most people use Pez dispensers until they lose them or until they break and then throw themaway. You might reconsider doing that if you understood how collectible they are and theamount of money that some of them will be worth as the years roll by. The 1982 World’s Fair Edition Pez Dispenser is worth over $30,000 and it is barely over 30years old. What makes this item in particular special is that it is the 1982 World’s Fair Editionand was only a prototype that was never mass-produced. Most Pez dispensers will never reachquite that value, but many are still wildly collectible. 21. Steiff Teddies Steiff Teddies hold immense antique value globally, commanding astonishing prices in auctions.Renowned for their firm joints and mohair coats, these bears have secured their place amongthe most sought-after collectibles. Crafted in 1905, one such bear became a precious gift to newborn Bob Henderson. This bearaccompanied Colonel Henderson, a British Army officer, throughout his wartime endeavors,even surviving the harrowing D-Day landings. Henderson's inspiring journey led him to establishGood Bears of the World is a charitable organization providing teddies to ailing children.Following his demise in 1990, this cherished Steiff bear fetched a staggering $171,000 atthe auction, setting a world record for the priciest teddy bear. 22. 1951 Vincent Black Lightning Motorcycle There were only 33 Vincent Black Lightning Motorcycles made in 1951 and it is believed thataround half of those still survive today. This model was only made for a few years, from 1948 to1952 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK. While this 1951 version is the most valuable, a specific bike, one built especially for Australianracer Tony McAlpine, sold for almost $1 million. This motorbike was significant becauseMcAlpine used it to break Australia’s land speed record- and we know that equipment used tobreak records is always more valuable than any of its similar counterparts. 23. McDonald’s “Mulan” Szechuan Sauce Did you think that a free condiment would end up on a list of the most valuable collectibles?Probably not. However, this particular sauce was a special promotional offering that went alongwith the release of Disney’s 1998 film Mulan. The sauce packet had been hidden away in a car for so long, the movie has since beenremade! When it sold on eBay, the free condiment went for an amazing $14,700! It kind ofmakes you want to hang onto every fast food condiment you can get your hands on, although,odds are, none of them will ever be worth that much again. 24. 1953 Superman Lunchbox If you are into collectibles it’s likely not a surprise that a lunchbox is on this list. Vintage lunchboxes are a big deal and have become highly collectible. Even very used and sometimesdamaged metal lunch boxes can be worth as much as $100. You will still find these lunch boxes at yard sales and online auction sites. Somepopular ones like the Lone Ranger, Knights in Armor, Star Trek, and The Beatles can be worthupwards of a thousand dollars. The 1953 Superman Lunchbox tops the market and has sold foras much as $13,000 when in superb condition. 25. Beauty and the Beast VHS Tape In the era before digital dominance, the act of enjoying movies or music demanded physicalobjects that were inserted into machines. VHS, a bulky predecessor to DVDs, triggers nostalgicrecollections. Today's young generation might find these colossal black boxes quite perplexing.Although largely deemed worthless, certain Disney classics hold substantial value in today'smarket. An aged edition of Beauty and the Beast and Dumbo fetched a staggering $14,500,while 101 Dalmatians sold for over $25,000. Perhaps it's worth revisiting your old collection,giving it a thorough cleaning, and seeking professional appraisal! 26. Nokia 3310 Leaders Ti Royal Diamond It might seem hard to believe, but cell phones have been a thing for so long that they aren’treferred to as cell phones anymore and many models have become collector’s items. One of themore popular brands of phones as collectibles is the Nokia 3310. The Nokia 3310 can be worthanywhere from about $40 up to $200 when they are in good condition. Like all products, the most collectible ones are the special issues that are rarer and thereforeharder to find. In 2017, a special version of the phone was released, the Nokia 3310 Leaders TiRoyal Diamond. It is diamond-encrusted and features a picture of Queen Elizabeth. It originallycost $25,000, but since the passing of the Queen has likely gone up exponentially in value. 27. Metropolis Movie Poster Another genre of collectibles is movie memorabilia. Memorabilia associated with films can haveextraordinary value based on the film, the age of the item, and often if there is an autograph orstory attached to the item. The Metropolis poster is a valued collector's item because of its age,its association with a very famous film, and the fact that only four were ever produced. Making the Metropolis poster even more valuable is that of the four, two are on display inmuseums, meaning that there are actually only two of these posters in private collections thatcould likely be available to reach the market in the future. The most recent sale of one of theseposters brought in nearly a quarter of a million dollars. 28. Purple Princess Diana Beanie Baby Anything related to royalty is likely to have some kind of historical significance and therefore bedesirable as a collectible. This is even more true if it relates to the late Princess Diana becauseof her overwhelming popularity and tragic death. Additionally, we are talking about BeanieBabies, which were immediately popular when they very first came out and could soar in valueas new products as soon as they hit the market. The purple Princess Diana Beanie Baby was destined for success as it was created to raiseawareness and funding for the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. The Princess Diana BeanieBaby was released soon after her untimely death and sold for just a few dollars. The cute toy isnow worth $22,222. 29. Original Levi’s 501 Jeans It might surprise you to know that jeans weren't created to make a fashion statement. In fact,they were meant to be durable and hide dirt as the perfect pair of pants for workers, such asminers and other laborers. The rivets marked with lot number "501" were to give the pants morestrength and durability. More than 150 years since the birth of jeans, they have become a blank canvas that goes withanything and lends itself well to any type of fashion. Today, Levi's men's jeans cost between$50 and $100, but if you happen to have an original pair from the late 1800s, you have a verysought-after collectible. Jeans from the nineteenth century can be worth as much as $40,000 to$60,000. 30. Stadium Events Video Game for Nintendo Stadium Events, an incredibly rare licensed Nintendo Entertainment System game, holds aspecial place among collectors. Regarded as the precursor to Dance Revolution and Wii,Stadium Events has achieved legendary status within the gaming community. Occasionally,tales emerge of individuals stumbling upon this game in unexpected places like thrift stores ortheir own garages. Back in 1987, a mere 200 copies were ever produced, and today, only a handful, around 10 or11, of the original American version remain. This game is unique as it includes a special matdesigned for exercising while playing. An unopened, unplayed game sold for more than$40,000. 31. Antique Cobalt Blue Depression Glass A real vintage set of Antique Cobalt Blue Depression Glass can be worth hundreds of dollars. Aset from Mosser, Czechoslovakia made in the late 1800s sold for $198 in 2022. Depression Ware has features like flashovers and other sharp edges, air bubbles, and maker'smarks that make it easy to identify. The glass is worth even more if you have a whole set or if ithas features like gold trim, art deco designs, or lids, especially dome-shaped lids. 32. The Great Gatsby First Edition The Jones Brothers, a UK-based rare-book hub, garnered attention for the sale of a first editionof F. Scott Fitzgerald's renowned novel, The Great Gatsby, for $400,000. This particular copyretained its original dust jacket from the 1920s, showcasing captivating artwork that contributedto its exceptional value. Notably, the dust jacket featured a typographical error on its back cover, where "jay Gatsby"appeared with a lowercase instead of an uppercase letter. Although a stamp correction wasapplied, the book's rarity was further heightened by this mistake, further enhancing its collectibleappeal. 33. Garbage Pail Kid Nasty Nick #1A If you still have a Garbage Pail Kid Nasty Nick #1A in perfect condition, you have the potential tofetch a substantial sum. These cards, created by Topps, were part of a collection of tradingstickers. They were a clever parody of the Cabbage Patch Dolls, which were also released thesame year. Nasty Nick stands out as one of the rarest. Positioned as the top card in the deck, many of hiscards were printed slightly off-center. One of the off-centered cards sold for just under $8,000,not a bad investment since a whole pack cost about $10 when they were first made. 34. Dunes Casino Red and Blue Card Decks The Dunes Hotel and Casino operated in Las Vegas from 1955 until 1993 and was a favoritespot for gamblers and tourists alike. It had unique architecture, a permanent show, and was thetenth resort-style hotel to be opened on the Strip. Now lost to time, the nostalgia for the place makes these playing cards that were made andused there worth as much as $1,250, although they sold for just a dollar or two back in thehotel's heyday. 35. Black Lotus ‘Magic: The Gathering’ Card The Black Lotus, an incredibly rare card from the popular game Magic: The Gathering, isproduced by Wizards of the Coast. Initially priced at $25, its current value ranges from $87,672to $511,100. This coveted card was introduced in 1993 as part of the Alpha set, distinguishing itas an original release. Notably, the Black Lotus has exceptional value in the game which stems from its ability toenable the swift casting of potent spells. Despite the existence of thousands of Black Lotuscards, they remain relatively scarce, particularly considering the staggering production of 20billion Magic cards from 2008 to 2016 alone. 36. Post Ten Variety Pack Cereal Pack This is one of the more unique items on this list. The Post Ten Variety Pack Cereal Pack thatonce sold for less than 50 cents is now worth $2,550. You might see similar variety packs inyour local grocery stores these days, but back then the little cereal boxes came in a tray thatalso contained baseball cards (a collectible in their own right). Almost none of these packages complete with the trays and cards still exist today which is whythey are worth so much. If you happen to run into one of these in an old vacant home, a garage,or your attic, you will get an outstanding return on it. 37. 1947 World Jamboree French Maitresse Boy Scout Patch Millions of kids have collected patches through Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other similargroups. The patches become more and more collectible over the years. Like most things, theygain more value over time and depending on how rare they are. The 1947 World Jamboree French Maitresse Boy Scout Patch was free for scouts who earnedthe patch back in the day. The patch was given for attendance at the 6th World ScoutJamboree, in Moisson, France. It is more than a patch as it contains a fifty-cent Scout stampand a fifty-cent Scout coin. Complete with all parts it is now worth $71,000. 38. Mickey Mantle Baseball Card Once again a piece of sports memorabilia makes the list. Mickey Mantle is one of the most well-known players of all time and had a career that saw him win seven World Series with theYankees and play in 20 All-Star Games. Mantle’s baseball cards have sold for record-breaking prices many times over the years. One ofthe noteworthy sales was a 1952 mint condition Topps card that sold for over five million dollars. 39. ”Inverted Jenny” Stamp There are lots of stamp collectors out there and a rare stamp can bring in a very high sellingprice. Like most items, a misprint or mistake in the making of an item always makes it more rareand more valuable. The “Upside-Down Jenny” cost only 24 cents when it was introduced in 1918. The stampshows a Curtiss JN-4 airplane, except that by mistake it was shown upside down. That mistakeis now worth a whopping one and a half million dollars. 40. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Watch The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Watch is valued at a staggering $31.19 million. Thistimepiece stands as a testament to craftsmanship. With only seven ever crafted, the rarity of theGrandmaster Chime is undeniable. While one resides at the esteemed Patek Philippe Museumin Geneva, Switzerland, a mere six are available for acquisition. Boasting twenty complications, dual independent dials, a reversible case, and six proprietaryinnovations, this wristwatch represents the epitome of engineering prowess. From inception tocompletion, the intricate development, meticulous assembly, and exacting production of a singleexemplar takes over 100,000 dedicated hours. Patek Philippe, renowned for their mastery ofintricate timepieces, has truly surpassed themselves with the extraordinary Grandmaster Chime

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