The 1960s were a transformative decade, marked by a shift toward a more open society. Many items from this era, once inexpensive, have now become rare and highly sought-after collectors’ items, often fetching hundreds of pounds. Here are 17 cheap things from the ’60s that are now worth a fortune.
First Edition Books
The 1960s were an important decade for books, with countless celebrated works being published. For example, Biblio argues it’s “difficult to overstate the importance of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961,” and that first editions today can sell for over £20,000.
Antique Coins
Pennies, shillings, and other unique British coins from the 1960s can be highly sought after, especially if they were limited mints. So, it’s certainly worth going through any old coin collections because you never know how much they might be worth.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
In the 1960s, mid-century modern furniture was hugely popular, with clean, simple lines and a lack of decorative embellishments. In recent years, interest in this vintage furniture has increased, with some unique pieces costing tens of thousands of pounds.
Vintage Comic Books
Zap-Kapow Comics explains that the 1960s contained “the bulk of what’s known as the Silver Age” of comics, making it “the decade for collectors, featuring more lasting, impactful comic book characters’ first appearances than any other decade.” These comics were so cheap back in the day, but now, they can be worth thousands.
Classic Cars
The 1960s introduced a range of iconic car models that are still produced and loved today. The Mini became a popular fashion symbol of the time and is often considered the last golden decade in British car history. Iconic Mustangs, Corvettes, and Jaguars have all also appreciated over time.
Vinyl Records
Collectors highly prize first- and limited-release vinyl records from the 1960s. Rare vinyl copies of The Beatles’ White Album and Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde can go for hundreds of pounds, especially if sealed.
Vintage Toys
Barbie, Hot Wheels, and others became hugely popular toys in the 1960s and have since become timeless classics. Barbie was recently in a hit film, and Hot Wheels is popular with adult collectors. The original “Sweet Sixteen” models in good condition can go for hundreds, and even more if in their original packaging.
Fashion Items
Chanel, Charles Jourdan, and Dior were some of the iconic designers of the 1960s, setting the look of the decade. Vintage Dior bags from the period sell for hundreds of pounds on eBay and other auction houses.
Space Age Collectibles
The Space Age kicked off with the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 and saw the Space Race of the 1960s, which culminated in America landing a man on the moon on the Apollo 11 mission. Models and photos signed by astronauts from the time are highly valued by collectors and can fetch hundreds of pounds.
Psychedelic Art Posters
The 1960s were the beginning of the psychedelic era, with musicians like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles incorporating psychedelic sounds into their songs. Original concert posters for the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock Festival are worth hundreds today.
Newspapers
Newspapers from the 1960s covering major events like the moon landings were cheap at the time but can go for a fortune now. Authentic papers in good condition covering major events can even cost over a thousand pounds.
Watches
Sixties models from iconic brands like Rolex, Omega, and Seiko can be highly valuable. Beyond the Dial explains that the first Grand Sieko, launched in December 1960, is usually “around £2500 and up for a good, serviced example.”
Antique Cameras
Canon, Leica, and Rolleiflex are among the camera brands that changed the photography world in the ‘60s. Models like the Canon Demi are celebrated by photography enthusiasts today and can sell for crazy prices if they’re in good working condition.
Sports Memorabilia
The 1960s were an important decade for sports, and Muhammad Ali, Pelé, and Wilt Chamberlain became huge stars. Items from the 1968 Olympics in your grandparents’ basement or loft could be worth a small fortune.
Rock and Roll Memorabilia
Rock music took off and broadened into a wide range of subgenres in the 1960s. Bands like The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and the Rolling Stones played at sold-out concerts and are still loved today, so signed memorabilia from the time can fetch a small fortune at auctions.
Vintage Jewelry
The experimentation, bold expressions, and rejection of the norms of previous decades were reflected in the jewelry of the 1960s. Jewelry from the time can be extravagant and oversized or more minimalist geometric designs inspired by the Space Age, and it is often expensive.
Stamp Collections
Your grandparents’ collection from the ‘60s may contain rare limited-issue stamps commemorating events like the moon landing or from countries that no longer exist. Well-kept collections can go for hundreds on eBay.