Marco Crisciotti Forgotten objects in domestic depths that could transform into precious investments: from the first iPhones to Pokémon cards, here's what to look for in the basement to make a fortune.
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Who would have ever thought that those dusty objects accumulated in the basement or in drawers could represent a small treasure? Yet it happens more and more often. Adam Koprucki, founder of Real World Investor, launches an interesting appeal to Americans: before getting rid of what you consider junk, think twice, because some of those items could pay for your retirement.
The issue is less extravagant than it seems. Many everyday objects purchased years ago have seen their value grow exponentially. Koprucki goes so far as to claim that certain household items could be worth more than an entire stock portfolio by 2030. A bold prediction, but supported by concrete data.
The iPhone worth as much as a car
Let’s take the most striking example: the first iPhone. When Apple launched it in 2007, the price was $499, a high cost for the time, but nothing compared to current valuations. Specimens still sealed in their original packaging now reach figures exceeding $20,000 in specialized auctions. Koprucki predicts that models in perfect condition could exceed $50,000 by 2030.
An estimate that appears even prudent if we look at recent records. In 2023, a first-generation 8 GB iPhone sold for $63,356, not to mention a very rare 4 GB model, also from 2007, sold for the incredible sum of $190,372, figures that make us reflect on what it means to preserve certain technological objects.
A constantly growing market
The collectibles phenomenon is not an isolated exception. According to Grand View Research, the collectibles market in the United States reached $62 billion in 2024. Forecasts indicate steady growth to reach $83.7 billion by 2030, with an annual increase of 5.3%. Data that demonstrates how this sector resists even economic uncertainties.
Nostalgia worth gold
Tech products aren’t the only ones seeing valuations skyrocket. Objects linked to our childhood in the eighties and nineties have earned a prominent place in the collectibles market. Original Star Wars action figures or Pokémon cards that filled albums could today finance a down payment on a house, as in the case of an extremely rare card depicting Raichu sold for $555,000 due to a printing error on the back.
Original Transformers from the eighties, if still sealed in packaging, are worth up to $20,000 each. Books have also seen truly incredible revaluations, such as first editions of Harry Potter, purchased for less than $20, which today can reach $50,000.
Video games exceed all expectations
The vintage video game sector has set unimaginable records. The rarest titles for Nintendo from the eighties and nineties often exceed $100,000.
The cover of Super Mario Bros. for NES, published in 1985 @ftw-eu.usatoday.com
The most sensational case involves a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros., sold in 2021 for $2 million. Think about it: that game, at the time of launch, cost about $30.
Practical advice for treasure hunters
The condition of the object makes all the difference. Koprucki emphasizes that items in original packaging can be worth up to ten times more than used ones, not to mention that even objects in excellent condition, which look new, maintain considerable market value.
Before selling any object that seems promising, it’s worth having it evaluated by experts. Online auction sites have greatly simplified the sale of collectibles, but knowing precisely what you own remains fundamental to obtaining maximum profit. An accurate appraisal can make the difference between a disappointing sale and an extraordinary deal, and the treasure hunt in your own home could prove more fruitful than you think.
