If you need to get your hands on some fast cash, a rummage through your belongings may turn up some antique or collectible items that will bring funds in quickly – provided you know what you’re looking for.
In this article, we’ll help you separate the treasure from the trash, locating hidden gems around your home that might fetch surprisingly big sums when sold to the right buyer.
Antique collectibles
- Common household items that might be valuable – You may own collectibles without knowing it.
- Why second-hand items can sell for high prices – Nostalgia and rarity drive demand.
- How to know if something is valuable – Tips for identifying hidden gems at home.
- How to get your items valued accurately – Avoid underpricing by checking with experts.
- Where to sell antiques and vintage collectibles – Explore online marketplaces, dealers, and auctions.
- Where to store valuable items safely – Insurance and security tips to protect what you keep.
What are antiques and collectibles?
You may be surprised by how many everyday objects around your home could be worth a substantial amount of money—items you never considered valuable.
Who would have thought that hobbyist items like stamps, coins, BT phone cards, or posters could become as popular and valuable as antique furniture or a rare vinyl album? Or that an old video console or a “hideous” 1970s painting in your attic could now fetch a fortune?
From personal belongings and family heirlooms to forgotten clutter in the garage, everyday items can be worth more than you realise—especially if they’re rare or no longer in production.
Not only are newer items becoming collectible over time, but classic collectors’ items are also appreciating in value. You could sell them for cash—or even use them as collateral if you take out a secured £600 loan from a pawn shop.
Are people really prepared to pay for items I don’t want?
Surprisingly—yes. There’s often a buyer for every item if you know what to sell and where to sell it.
Things you used to use and now barely think about could be rare collectibles. Buyers are especially motivated by items that connect them to childhood or happier times—old toys, video cassettes, or their first gadgets, for example.
Others buy collectibles that remind them of family members or moments of joy. Some are willing to pay hundreds of pounds for items restored to their former glory. And, of course, antique and vintage dealers are constantly seeking these items to resell.
Here are 10 examples of surprisingly valuable items commonly found in everyday homes:
- Coins
- Vinyl Records
- Vintage Toys
- Tea and Dining Sets
- Ceramics and Silverware
- Furniture and Light Fittings
- Books and Comics
- Electronics
- Clothing and Accessories
- Paintings and Drawings
It’s true what they say—money makes money. Coins have always been a favourite collector’s item, and not just the rare, historic ones. Even modern pocket change could be hiding treasures.
The Royal Mint occasionally releases coins with errors, and these “error coins” can become very valuable. One famous example is the 1983 ‘new pence’ coin, which can sell for hundreds of pounds.
Rare 50p coins such as the Kew Gardens edition, Olympic commemoratives, and undated 20p pieces have recently sold for big money. It’s time to check your old jars and coin collections!
Vinyl records could be among the most valuable things in your home. While many ditched vinyl for CDs in the ’80s, records are now back in style—big time.
Some albums are worth thousands, and it’s not just classic rock. Musicals and niche genres have value too. Family record players are also in demand for nostalgic listening.
Fun fact: Ringo Starr’s personal copy of the “White Album” sold for $790,000 in 2015.
Search your attic or storage boxes—vintage toys in good condition (especially boxed or unused) can sell for hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Used toys can still fetch good prices too.
Lego sets, toy cars (like Hot Wheels or Tonka), collectible porcelain dolls, Sindy, Barbie, and early Star Wars toys are all in high demand—whatever their condition.
Heirloom crockery and tableware might be worth more than you think, especially if the set is complete and undamaged. Many families keep these items boxed away for years.
Check attics and cupboards—your unused tea set might just be a collectible antique.
Silverware is often hallmarked with maker, date, and origin—making it easier to value. Even if the style isn’t trendy now, silver can be sold for its weight alone.
Ceramics with stamps from Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester, or Staffordshire potteries can command high prices. Always check the base for identifying marks.
Antiques aren’t always centuries old. Art Deco items, old light fittings, and even retro Ikea furniture from the 1970s can now fetch high prices—especially if they were unpopular at the time and are now rare.
Comic books that originally cost a few pence can be worth thousands—or even millions. A first edition Superman comic sold for £3.2 million in 2014. British comics like *The Dandy* can also be valuable, especially with original extras.
First or rare editions of classic children’s books (e.g. *The Wind in the Willows*, *Charlotte’s Web*, *The Secret Garden*) are highly collectible. Even *Harry Potter* first editions in fair condition can sell for large sums.
Use resources like Save the Student to check book values.
Retro electronics are hot sellers. Early gaming consoles, Walkmans, old computers, and mobile phones can sell for hundreds—or even thousands—especially unopened or in rare colours.
Even 2001 iPods are now considered highly collectible. Check your drawers!
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Before donating old clothes, check their labels. Vintage outfits from the 1960s–1980s, designer wear, or even items from lesser-known but now-trendy brands can be worth a lot more today.
Prints sold in Boots in the 1970s, like *The Chinese Girl*, now sell for over £200. Lesser-known artists can become collectable over time. You might even unknowingly own a rare antique painting or sketch worth auctioning.
Fun fact: Almost 2 in 5 Brits own collectible antiques—most don’t even know it.
How to know if something is valuable
If you suspect an item has value, check auction sites like eBay for similar listings and prices. But don’t rely on eBay alone—get a professional opinion if possible.
To get an accurate valuation, contact an antiques appraiser or a reputable dealer. The British Antique Dealers Association has a reliable online directory.
How to get your items valued
In addition to online services, you can:
- Visit local auction houses for appraisals
- Attend free valuation days in your area
- Apply to TV shows like the Antiques Roadshow
- Use online photo-based appraisals for quick estimates
Need fast cash while waiting for a valuation?
If you’ve found something of value but are still waiting for it to sell or be officially appraised, a short-term loan could bridge the gap.
At Cashfloat, we offer payday loans of up to £1,000 to help cover emergencies—especially when you know funds are coming soon.
Our application is quick, 100% online, and designed for people with imperfect credit. You’ll receive an instant decision, and if approved, the money can be in your account within an hour.
What can we summarise about collectible antiques?
Before you declutter your home or give away unused items, check their value! People earn a living buying undervalued items at boot sales and reselling them for profit.
And remember: If you sell an antique worth over £6,000, you may owe tax on the gain. Learn more at gov.uk.
FAQs about Buying and Selling Antiques
Before you buy or sell, here are some frequently asked questions to help you protect your investment and make informed decisions.
Where should valuable items be stored?
Store them in a safe, secure location—preferably in a professional safe or secure storage facility. You might also want a burglar alarm or insurance. Consider an AIS-approved safe.
Do I need to inform my insurance company if I own antiques?
Yes. List any valuable antiques on your home insurance policy to ensure they’re covered. You can also consider safety deposit boxes or commercial storage facilities.
What are the best antiques to buy?
Look for items that are sturdy, timeless, and in demand—like early-century furniture, rare books, or collectible ceramics. Modern items can also become valuable with time.
How can I identify antique dolls?
Check for the maker’s mark, usually on the back of the head or bottom of the foot. Use the number or symbol when consulting an expert or appraiser.
How old does something need to be to qualify as an antique?
Most dealers define an antique as any item at least 100 years old. Items between 20 and 99 years old are typically called vintage.
How can I find antique dealers near me?
Check sellingantiques.co.uk for a searchable directory of 450+ UK antique dealers, sorted by county.
