As kids, we don't think of our playthings as collectors items, we think of them as toys. But if you were an oddly entrepreneurial 90s huckleberry who intuited that keeping your original "Mario Bros 3" game in its box would lead to $50,000 then congratulations. Who needs a fun childhood?
Here are 11 cheap collectables from the 1990s that are now worth bank.
1
Beanie Baby
Maybe the Beanie Baby buying crazy wasn’t all for nothing. While many are worthless, there is an original “Velentino” baby valued at $43,000. Others have also sold for tens of thousands.
2
<i>Harry Potter</i> First Edition
Nobody had any idea what Harry Potter would become when the book first released in 1997. An original British edition of the book can net you over $50,000. Even the American version is worth $6,500.
3
Pokemon Cards
We’ve always known that Pokemon Cards are valuable, (both physically and emotionally), but some really are worth a ton. One "Pikachu Illustrator" card sold for over $50,000, and a mint version would be valued at $100,000.
4
Super Mario Bros 3
People go crazy for the Mario Bros, and if you’re a Pawning Stars fan, you’ll know that one of the most valuable items in the history of the show was an original Mario Bros game. Original versions have gone for as much as $30,000.
5
<i>Titanic</i> Poster
If you had brought your original Titanic poster to get signed, it would be worth bank now. Like $1,000 bank. But you left it hanging on your bedroom wall, didn’t you?
6
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Action Figure
For around $50, this TMNT figure might not be worth all that much. But you probably had one for $6 back in 1990, and that’s a decent upcharge.
7
Barbie
Different original Barbie dolls sell for decently high prices. A version of this Pink Splendor Barbie once sold for $1,000.
8
Nirvana Original Concert Ticket
Unfortunately, we’ll never be able to see Nirvana in their full glory ever again. But just owning proof that at one point you did, is enough to net you around $800.
9
NES Mega Man 4
In 1991, it cost $50 for your copy of NES Mega Man 4. If you were smart enough to keep it in the box, you can get $5,000 for it. But why would you have wasted your childhood like that?
10
Nirvana Meat Puppies Poster
While this $357 poster was never a bargain back in 1993, it will fetch you way more than that now, and regularly sells for around $2,500.
11
Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards
Perhaps the most expensive item on this list, one "Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon" Yu-Gi-Oh! Card sold for $406,800. It was originally listed for almost a million. That being said, unless you really were the coolest kid on the playground, this isn’t one you ever owned.
