The 1970s had a look unlike any other decade — earth tones, macramé, shag carpet, fondue sets, and a sense that comfort and personal expression mattered more than convention. Most of what defined those interiors, rec rooms, and childhoods got packed away or donated long ago.
But a lot of it is still out there, sitting in boxes in attics and basements across the country, and a surprising amount of it is now worth real money. Here are 50 items from the 1970s that collectors are actively hunting — along with what they are actually worth in today’s market.
Lego Space and Castle Sets (1970s)
1. Lego Space and Castle Sets (1970s)
Lego’s 1970s Space and Castle themes are among the most actively traded vintage toy sets in the collector market. The Lego Space Command Center (set 493) complete with box and instructions regularly sells for $400 to $800. The Classic Space theme astronaut figures — the yellow-faced minifigs with the life-support backpacks — are sought after individually at $20 to $60 each.
Castle sets from the late 1970s, including the original Yellow Castle (set 375), complete with all drawbridge components, knights, and horses, sell for $300 to $700. The box condition is the primary value driver — a set with its original box in decent shape is worth two to three times the same set without it.
Atari 2600 Console (1977)
2. Atari 2600 Console (1977)
The Atari 2600, launched in 1977 as the Video Computer System, was the console that brought home gaming to mainstream America. A complete Atari 2600 in the original box with the wood-grain facade, both joysticks, the paddle controllers, and a game regularly sells for $100 to $250. Sealed units are extremely rare and have sold for over $1,000.
Rare Atari 2600 cartridges like Air Raid — identifiable by its blue T-shaped handle — is one of the most valuable cartridges in gaming history. Even common early titles in their original boxes with manuals command $30 to $150. The collector market for Atari has grown steadily for two decades.
Macramé Wall Hangings and Plant Hangers
3. Macramé Wall Hangings and Plant Hangers
Macramé — the art of decorative knotting that defined 1970s interior design — has made a dramatic comeback in the home décor market, and authentic vintage pieces command real premiums over modern reproductions. Large vintage macramé wall hangings from the early 1970s in excellent condition sell for $80 to $300. Elaborate floor-length pieces with fringe and wooden dowels have sold for over $500.
The handmade nature of 1970s macramé means no two pieces are identical. Look for pieces with tight, even knotting, natural cotton or jute fiber in good condition, and interesting geometric or figural designs. Owl macramé is particularly sought after by collectors who embrace the maximalist 1970s aesthetic — elaborate examples sell for $60 to $200.
Vintage Tupperware (1970s Colors)
4. Vintage Tupperware (1970s Colors)
Tupperware from the 1970s — in avocado green, harvest gold, burnt orange, and brown — has become a sought-after vintage kitchen collectible. Complete Tupperware canister sets in avocado green in excellent condition with all lids sell for $60 to $180. Individual pieces are worth $10 to $40 each.
The most valuable 1970s Tupperware pieces are those in the most identifiably period colors, with all original seals intact and no significant fading or warping. The Fix-N-Mix bowl set, the stacking canister set, and the Modular Mates series in period colors are the most actively sought. Complete sets in original colors with matching lids command the strongest prices.
Eight-Track Players and Tapes
5. Eight-Track Players and Tapes
Eight-track technology dominated home and car audio from the late 1960s through the late 1970s, and the format has developed a passionate collector following. Working vintage eight-track players in good cosmetic condition sell for $60 to $200. Car eight-track players from the 1970s in working condition sell for $40 to $150.
Eight-track tapes of key artists — particularly rock, soul, and jazz albums — sell for $5 to $30 each in good condition. Certain rare promotional and limited-edition eight-tracks command $50 to $100. The format’s warm sound has driven a genuine revival among audiophiles.
Fondue Sets
6. Fondue Sets
The 1970s fondue craze produced elaborate sets that are now kitchen antiques. Complete vintage fondue sets — the enameled cast iron pot, the alcohol burner stand, and the full set of color-coded forks — in excellent condition sell for $60 to $200. Orange, avocado green, and harvest gold enamel sets are the most collectible.
French copper fondue sets from the same era command higher prices — a complete copper fondue set with the original stand in excellent condition sells for $100 to $300. Brands like Copco, Cousances, and early Le Creuset fondue sets are particularly sought after. The complete set is essential — individual pots without stands or forks are worth a fraction of the complete ensemble.
Wham-O Frisbees (Original 1970s)
7. Wham-O Frisbees (Original 1970s)
The original Wham-O Frisbee has been in continuous production since 1957, but certain 1970s models are genuinely collectible. Vintage Wham-O professional tournament Frisbees from the World Flying Disc Federation era in excellent condition sell for $40 to $150. Promotional and team-branded editions from the decade are similarly sought after.
The most valuable vintage Frisbees are early production models with specific mold numbers and manufacturing details that distinguish them from later pressings. An early 1970s Super Pro model in near-mint condition with original packaging has sold for over $300. Any Frisbee with original retail packaging or promotional materials from this era is worth examining carefully before treating as a yard toy.
Vintage Crockpots and Slow Cookers
8. Vintage Crockpots and Slow Cookers
The original Rival Crockpot launched in 1971 and became one of the defining kitchen appliances of the decade. Vintage Crockpot units in original 1970s colors — avocado green, harvest gold, and burnt orange — in working condition with the original lid and no cracks sell for $40 to $120. The original brown-and-tan floral printed models are the most recognizable.
Working condition is essential — the unit should heat evenly and the ceramic insert should be crack-free. Vintage Crockpots have found a second life among buyers who prefer analog simplicity. The most collectible models are the large oval versions and any unit still in original box with all original inserts, which command $80 to $200.
Mood Rings (1975)
9. Mood Rings (1975)
Mood rings — the thermochromic liquid crystal jewelry invented in 1975 — were one of the defining accessories of the decade. Most common examples sell for $20 to $50, but original 1970s mood rings in sterling silver settings or gold-filled settings with the original stone intact and the color-changing function still active sell for $80 to $200.
The rarest mood rings are the earliest production examples from 1975 to 1976, identifiable by specific hallmarks and setting styles, and any mood ring in its original retail packaging with the color chart insert. High-end versions with 14-karat gold settings have sold for over $300 to jewelry collectors who appreciate them as period pieces.
Planet of the Apes Merchandise
10. Planet of the Apes Merchandise
The Planet of the Apes franchise generated enormous amounts of merchandise in the early 1970s. Mego Planet of the Apes action figures — the 8-inch cloth-costumed figures — in excellent condition with all original accessories sell for $50 to $200 each. The complete set of five figures commands $400 to $800.
The Mego Apes Village playset complete with all accessories has sold for over $600. Other valuable merchandise includes the AHI figure sets, coloring books in unused condition, and original movie tie-in posters in fine condition. Any Planet of the Apes merchandise still in original packaging from the early 1970s commands a significant premium over loose examples.
Vintage Pyrex Cinderella Bowls
11. Vintage Pyrex Cinderella Bowls
Pyrex cinderella bowls — the bowed mixing bowls with the angled handle — from the 1970s are among the most actively collected vintage kitchen items. Complete sets of Pyrex cinderella bowls in the Butterfly Gold, Spring Blossom Green, and Snowflake Blue patterns in excellent condition sell for $80 to $250. The rarer patterns like Old Orchard and Autumn Harvest command more.
The most valuable Pyrex from the 1970s is in patterns that were produced for shorter runs, in colors with vivid original graphics, and with no fading from dishwasher use. The Friendship, Homestead, and Verde patterns are particularly sought after. Complete four-bowl nesting sets fetch significantly more than individual pieces — the full set in excellent condition is worth two to three times the individual piece prices.
Vintage Star Wars (1977–1979 Kenner)
12. Vintage Star Wars (1977–1979 Kenner)
The original Kenner Star Wars figures launched in 1977 and the earliest production runs are the most valuable. The Early Bird Certificate Package from 1977 — Kenner’s famous empty box sold before the toys were produced — complete with the certificate, sticker sheet, and figure stand has sold for over $1,000. The first twelve figures in the line on their original 12-back cards are the holy grails.
A carded 12-back Darth Vader in AFA 85 condition has sold for over $20,000. Even common characters on 12-back cards in excellent condition sell for $500 to $2,000. The double-telescoping lightsaber variant of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Ben Kenobi — where the saber extends in two stages — exists in very small numbers and is worth thousands in any condition.
Vintage Bean Bag Chairs
13. Vintage Bean Bag Chairs
The bean bag chair — invented in 1969 and ubiquitous in 1970s homes and rec rooms — has become a design antique. Original vinyl bean bag chairs from the 1970s in excellent condition with no cracks and the original filler intact sell for $150 to $350. The most desirable colors are the period-specific oranges, browns, and earth tones.
The challenge with bean bag chairs is condition — vinyl from the 1970s cracks and fades with age. A bean bag in truly excellent condition with vibrant original color is genuinely rare and worth significantly more than a tired example. Period-specific patterns and original polystyrene bead fill (rather than modern replacement fill) add value.
Vintage Hi-Fi Receivers and Turntables
14. Vintage Hi-Fi Receivers and Turntables
The 1970s golden age of hi-fi produced some of the most sought-after audio equipment ever made. Marantz receivers from the early 1970s — particularly the Model 2270 and Model 2285 — in working condition sell for $500 to $2,000. Pioneer and Sansui receivers from the same era command $200 to $800 working.
Vintage Technics SL-1200 turntables have become the most sought-after turntables in the world, used by DJs and audiophiles alike. A working original Technics SL-1200 in excellent condition sells for $400 to $1,200. The combination of a quality vintage receiver and turntable is worth more than the sum of its parts to the right buyer.
Viewmaster Reels and Viewers
15. Viewmaster Reels and Viewers
The Viewmaster — the stereoscopic slide viewer that provided 3D photo experiences — produced hundreds of reel sets in the 1970s. Vintage Viewmaster reel sets from the 1970s in original sealed packaging sell for $15 to $60 per set depending on the subject. Rare and limited-edition sets command $80 to $200.
The most valuable Viewmaster items are complete gift sets — the viewer and multiple reel sets still in the original box — in excellent condition. World’s Fair reels, Disney theme park reels, and NASA space mission reels are among the most sought after. The original GAF-branded viewers from the early 1970s in orange with the original box are worth more than the standard brown versions.
Vintage Skateboard Decks (Early 1970s)
16. Vintage Skateboard Decks (Early 1970s)
Skateboarding experienced its first major revival in the early 1970s with the introduction of urethane wheels, and equipment from this era is genuinely collectible. Complete vintage skateboards from the early 1970s with the original Cadillac Wheels or Road Rider urethane wheels command $200 to $800 complete. Boards by Logan Earth Ski, G&S, and Bahne from this era are the most sought after.
Early 1970s skate culture memorabilia — Skateboarder Magazine first issues, competition trophies, and team-signed boards — command premiums from collectors who document the sport’s history. An original Cadillac Wheels display card complete and sealed has sold for over $500. The documentation of early skateboarding is a niche but passionate market.
Vintage Canning Jars and Ball Mason Jars
17. Vintage Canning Jars and Ball Mason Jars
Ball, Kerr, and Atlas mason jars from the 1970s and earlier are actively collected, with certain colors and embossing patterns commanding significant prices. Vintage aqua and blue Ball Mason jars — the distinctive blue-green color from early production — sell for $15 to $50 each. Rare embossed patterns, upside-down logos, and unusual sizes command $80 to $300.
The rarest mason jars are those with unusual colors (amber, black, citron, cobalt) and embossing errors or variations. The Van Vliet improved jar, certain early Atlas E-Z Seal jars, and pre-1970 specialty jars with unusual closures are worth $100 to $400 to dedicated collectors. Any jar in a strong unusual color in excellent condition deserves a careful look at completed eBay sales before pricing it at a yard sale.
Mego Action Figures (8-Inch)
18. Mego Action Figures (8-Inch)
Mego Corporation produced 8-inch cloth-costumed action figures for dozens of licenses from the early 1970s through 1982, and the line has become one of the most actively collected toy lines in existence. Mego World’s Greatest Super Heroes figures — particularly early production Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man — in excellent condition sell for $100 to $400 each. Carded examples command $200 to $800.
The rarest Mego figures are those from short-run licenses that were discontinued quickly — the Madame Tussauds Celebrity figures, the Elastic Superheroes, and certain foreign-market exclusive releases. Any Mego figure with all original cloth costume, accessories, and the original blister card in fine condition is worth getting properly appraised before selling.
Vintage Farrah Fawcett Poster (1976)
19. Vintage Farrah Fawcett Poster (1976)
The 1976 Farrah Fawcett swimsuit poster — shot by photographer Bruce McBroom — became the best-selling poster in history with over 12 million copies sold. An original first-print Farrah Fawcett poster in excellent condition — no tears, no pinholes, bright colors — sells for $100 to $300. The original Pro Arts publication with the Pro Arts copyright is the first and most valuable printing.
Distinguishing a first print from later reproductions requires knowing the specific color saturation, paper stock, and copyright information of the original Pro Arts release. Posters that have been professionally framed and stored flat in archival materials command premiums over rolled examples. A first print in near-mint condition with original backing or tube has sold for over $500.
Tupperware Jell-O Molds
20. Tupperware Jell-O Molds
Tupperware’s Jell-O molds and gelatin containers from the 1970s are among the most charmingly period-specific kitchen collectibles from the decade. Complete Tupperware Jell-O mold sets in the original harvest gold or avocado green with all lids and accessories in excellent condition sell for $30 to $80. Individual molds go for $10 to $30 each.
The star-shaped and ring-shaped molds in the most identifiably 1970s colors are the most collectible. Tupperware from this era was built to last and much of it has survived in excellent condition. The gelatin containers with original snap lids, the Jell-O mold rings, and the aspic molds are the most actively sought by collectors embracing 1970s kitchenware aesthetics.
Vintage Wicker and Rattan Furniture
21. Vintage Wicker and Rattan Furniture
Wicker and rattan furniture from the 1970s has returned to strong demand in the vintage furniture market. The iconic 1970s peacock chair — the large fan-backed throne chair that defined the decade — in excellent original condition sells for $300 to $800. A matching peacock chair and loveseat set has sold for over $1,200.
Beyond the peacock chair, 1970s rattan bar sets, hanging egg chairs, and wicker sectionals are actively sought by buyers embracing the decade’s bohemian aesthetic. The key factors are structural integrity — the rattan should be tight and unbroken — and original finish without heavy repainting. A complete rattan dining set in original condition with all chairs is particularly valuable.
Hot Wheels Redline Cars (1968–1977)
22. Hot Wheels Redline Cars (1968–1977)
Hot Wheels Redline cars — identifiable by the red stripe on the tires, produced from 1968 to 1977 — are among the most aggressively collected die-cast vehicles ever made. Hot Wheels Redline cars in spectraflame colors — the vivid metallic paint jobs of the early production run — in near-mint condition sell for $50 to $500 each depending on the casting and color.
The rarest Redline castings are the Short Order, the Deora, and the Sweet 16 in unusual or low-production spectraflame colors. A pink Beatnik Bandit Redline in near-mint condition has sold for over $2,000. Redline cars still in their original blister packs command three to five times the loose value.
Vintage Globe Bars
23. Vintage Globe Bars
The globe bar — a rotating globe that opens to reveal a complete bar service inside — was one of the defining decorative pieces of the 1970s home. Vintage globe bars from the 1970s in working condition with all original glassware, decanter set, and bar tools intact sell for $200 to $500. Large floor-standing models in particularly good condition have sold for over $800.
The condition of the globe mechanism is critical — it should open and close smoothly, and the globe surface should be in good condition with clear map graphics and no significant fading or peeling. The original glassware and service pieces multiply the value considerably. A globe bar with all original components in fine condition is worth substantially more than one missing the interior accessories.
Vintage Evel Knievel Toys
24. Vintage Evel Knievel Toys
Ideal Toy Company’s Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle — released in 1973 and one of the best-selling toys of the decade — is now a genuine collectible. The Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle with gyro launcher in working condition with the original figure, motorcycle, and launcher sells for $80 to $200. Complete in original box examples command $300 to $600.
Working condition means the gyro launcher still engages and releases the cycle with enough force to perform stunts, and the Evel figure should be seated and undamaged. The larger Stunt Stadium playset complete with all components has sold for over $400. Other Evel Knievel merchandise from the era — lunchboxes, trading cards, and the official Scramble Van — are all actively collected.
Vintage Shag Rugs
25. Vintage Shag Rugs
The shag rug — with its deep, loose pile in earthy browns, oranges, and greens — is the flooring equivalent of the leisure suit, and authentic 1970s examples have become design collectibles. Large authentic 1970s shag rugs in excellent condition with vibrant original colors and no significant matting or staining sell for $150 to $400. Room-sized examples in particularly good condition command more.
The most collectible shag rugs from this era are those in the most identifiably period colors — harvest gold, avocado green, burnt sienna, and chocolate brown — with consistent pile depth and no bald patches. A vintage shag rug in excellent condition with strong color is a statement piece, and the market for authentic examples is stronger than it has been in decades.
Original Pet Rock (1975)
26. Original Pet Rock (1975)
Gary Dahl’s Pet Rock — launched in 1975 and one of the greatest marketing coups in American history — sold 1.5 million units in six months at $3.95 each. The concept was a smooth Rosarita beach stone in a cardboard pet carrier box with a training manual. A complete original Pet Rock in its carrier box with the owner’s manual in excellent condition sells for $30 to $80.
The value drivers are condition of the cardboard carrier box — it should be uncrushed with clean graphics — and the presence of the original training manual. Sealed examples in perfect condition have sold for $150 to $200. The Pet Rock is a perfect encapsulation of 1970s consumer culture and commands strong prices from collectors who value it as a cultural artifact.
Vintage Kodak Instamatic Cameras
27. Vintage Kodak Instamatic Cameras
Kodak’s Instamatic cameras — the 126 and 110 cartridge-loading cameras that put photography in every American household — were produced in enormous quantities throughout the 1970s. Complete Kodak Instamatic camera kits with the original box, strap, flash cube attachment, and instructions in excellent condition sell for $30 to $100.
The most valuable Instamatic-era cameras are the higher-end 126 models (the 700 and 800 series) and the Pocket Instamatic 60 in their original boxes with all accessories. The 110-format Pocket Instamatics in gift sets with the original carrying cases command $40 to $150. Certain promotional and limited-edition color versions are particularly sought after by camera collectors.
Vintage Super 8 Film Cameras
28. Vintage Super 8 Film Cameras
The Super 8 film format, dominant through the 1970s, has experienced a genuine revival among filmmakers and nostalgia enthusiasts. Working vintage Super 8 cameras in excellent condition with the original case and instructions sell for $80 to $250. Higher-end models from Canon, Nizo, and Beaulieu command $200 to $500 in excellent working condition.
The revival of Super 8 filmmaking as an art form has driven real demand for working cameras. Kodak still sells Super 8 film, making these cameras actually usable, which adds to their value. A camera that loads, runs, and exposes film correctly is worth significantly more than a non-working example. Any Super 8 camera in complete working condition with its original accessories is worth testing before selling.
Vintage Lava Lamps
29. Vintage Lava Lamps
The lava lamp — dominant in 1970s dorm rooms and living rooms — has never really gone out of production, but authentic vintage examples command premiums over modern reproductions. Original Lava Lite brand lamps from the 1970s in working condition with the original globe, wax compound, and base sell for $60 to $200. Large floor-standing models in period colors command more.
The wax compound in original 1970s lamps degrades over time and may no longer flow properly when heated. A lamp with original working wax compound in excellent condition is worth significantly more than one that has been refilled or modified. The most collectible colors are the original period combinations — red wax in clear fluid, yellow wax in blue fluid, and the early psychedelic multicolor versions.
Vintage Denim Jackets and Patched Jeans
30. Vintage Denim Jackets and Patched Jeans
Original 1970s American denim — Levi’s, Lee, and Wrangler — is among the most valuable vintage clothing in the market. Deadstock 1970s Levi’s denim jackets — the Type III trucker jacket with the two chest pockets — in unworn condition with original tags sell for $200 to $600. Deadstock dark indigo examples in larger sizes have sold for over $1,000.
1970s jeans with their original patches, embroidery, and customization are valued differently — as wearable art rather than unworn apparel. A pair of original 1970s Levi’s 501s with elaborate hand-stitched embroidery in excellent condition can sell for $300 to $800. The vintage denim market is sophisticated and well-documented; knowing the red tab, selvedge, and pocket details is essential to pricing accurately.
Vintage Lawn Darts (Jarts)
31. Vintage Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Lawn darts — the large, weighted projectile yard game sold under the Jarts brand — were banned by the CPSC in 1988, making surviving original sets genuinely rare. A complete original Jarts lawn dart set with all four darts and both target rings in excellent condition sells for $100 to $300. Sets in the original box with the original graphics command $250 to $400.
The ban is what makes Jarts valuable — you cannot buy new ones legally, so original sets in good condition are a finite supply. The darts should have intact metal tips and sturdy plastic fins, and the target rings should be complete. Original sets in excellent condition are genuine collector items from a pre-liability era of product design.
Vintage Tiger Beat and Teen Magazines
32. Vintage Tiger Beat and Teen Magazines
Teen fan magazines from the 1970s — Tiger Beat, 16 Magazine, and Fave — have become pop culture collectibles, particularly issues featuring early coverage of artists who became superstars. Vintage Tiger Beat issues from the early 1970s featuring David Cassidy, the Osmonds, or early Jackson 5 coverage in excellent condition sell for $20 to $60 each.
The most valuable individual issues are those featuring the earliest coverage of artists who later became cultural icons, issues with their original centerfold posters intact and unclipped, and any magazine in sealed original condition. A complete year’s run in excellent condition is worth more than the sum of individual issues. Issues featuring early coverage of John Travolta, Leif Garrett, and Shaun Cassidy are particularly sought after.
Vintage CB Radios
33. Vintage CB Radios
The CB radio craze of the mid-1970s — driven by trucker culture and Smokey and the Bandit — produced some excellent equipment that is now collectible. Vintage Cobra CB radios — particularly the Cobra 25 and Cobra 29 models — in working condition with the original microphone sell for $50 to $150. The Cobra 2000 GTL commands $150 to $300 working.
Working condition means all channels scan, the squelch works, and the unit transmits and receives clearly. The original microphone is essential — period-correct replacement mics are acceptable but original equipment adds value. Complete setups with the original antenna, power cord, and bracket in the original box are the most valuable. The CB radio is a genuine artifact of 1970s American culture with a dedicated collector community.
Vintage Smokey and the Bandit Merchandise
34. Vintage Smokey and the Bandit Merchandise
Smokey and the Bandit (1977) became the second-highest-grossing film of the year and generated significant merchandise. Original Smokey and the Bandit merchandise — the toy Trans Am sets, board games, iron-on transfers, and promotional materials — in excellent condition sell for $50 to $200. The Ertl Bandit Pontiac Trans Am toy in its original packaging sells for $100 to $300.
The most valuable Smokey and the Bandit items are original promotional materials used for the film’s release — theater lobby cards, original film posters in excellent condition, and press kit materials. A rolled original one-sheet movie poster in fine condition sells for $100 to $400. The toy Trans Am car from Ertl in its original blister pack commands $150 to $300.
Vintage Star Trek (Original Series) Merchandise
35. Vintage Star Trek (Original Series) Merchandise
Star Trek merchandise from the 1970s — produced after the original series’ cancellation but before The Motion Picture reinvigorated the franchise — includes some of the most valuable items in Trek collectibles. Mego Star Trek figures — the 8-inch cloth-costumed figures of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and others — in excellent condition with all accessories sell for $80 to $250 each. Carded examples command $200 to $500.
The Mego Star Trek Mission to Gamma VI playset complete with all accessories has sold for over $400. The Mego Enterprise bridge playset, the transporter room, and the communicator set are all actively sought after. Any Star Trek merchandise from the original series era in excellent original condition is worth researching before pricing — the market is well-documented and prices are significantly stronger than most sellers expect.
Vintage Fonzie and Happy Days Merchandise
36. Vintage Fonzie and Happy Days Merchandise
Happy Days was the number one television show in America from 1976 to 1984, and the Fonzie character generated enormous licensed merchandise. The Mego Fonzie figure — the 8-inch cloth-costumed figure — in excellent condition with original accessories sells for $50 to $150. Carded examples command $150 to $300.
Other valuable Happy Days merchandise includes the Fonzie’s Garage playset, the Happy Days board game, the Arnold’s Drive-In playset, and the Fonzie Pinball game. Fonzie iron-on transfers in unused condition, Happy Days lunch boxes in excellent condition with their original thermos, and promotional items from the show’s peak years (1976 to 1979) all command strong prices from collectors.
Vintage Cher and Sonny & Cher Merchandise
37. Vintage Cher and Sonny & Cher Merchandise
Cher was one of the defining entertainers of the 1970s, and her merchandise from the peak of the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour era (1971 to 1977) is actively collected. The Mego Cher doll — the 12-inch fashion doll — in excellent condition with original outfit sells for $60 to $150. Complete with original box in excellent condition, the price rises to $200 to $400.
Sonny & Cher concert programs, promotional materials, and merchandise from major tours are also valuable. Items featuring the iconic Bob Mackie-designed costumes command premiums. Signed items with clear provenance from the era sell for $200 to $600. The Cher doll was one of the best-selling celebrity fashion dolls of the decade and is well-documented in collector guides.
Vintage 1970s Avon Figural Bottles
38. Vintage 1970s Avon Figural Bottles
Avon produced an extraordinary range of figural perfume and aftershave bottles throughout the 1970s — cars, animals, buildings, and novelty shapes — and these have become a dedicated collector category. Rare figural Avon bottles from the 1970s in excellent condition, still full of original product with the original cap, sell for $10 to $60 each. Complete sets command more.
The most valuable Avon bottles are those in the most elaborate and unusual shapes, those with the original product intact and the original seal unbroken, and those in mint with original box condition. The 1970 Avon Wild Country Chess Set in complete condition has sold for over $200. Avon collecting is a dedicated hobby with price guides, clubs, and conventions — the market is well-established.
Vintage Barbie Townhouse (1974)
39. Vintage Barbie Townhouse (1974)
Mattel’s 1974 Barbie Townhouse — the three-story cardboard and plastic structure with the working elevator — is one of the most sought-after Barbie playsets from the decade. The 1974 Barbie Townhouse complete with working elevator with all original furniture, the working elevator, and all room accessories in excellent condition sells for $150 to $350. With original box in excellent condition, the price rises to $300 to $500.
The working elevator is the key feature — it should still function using the pulley mechanism with the original elevator car intact. The original furniture is essential. The pink plastic pieces, the tiny accessories, and especially the original cardboard floor coverings and wallpaper inserts are what distinguish a complete example. Any complete Barbie Townhouse from this era is worth careful research before pricing.
Vintage Weebles (1971)
40. Vintage Weebles (1971)
Hasbro’s Weebles — the egg-shaped wobbly figures with weighted bottoms — launched in 1971 and became one of the defining toddler toys of the decade. Complete Weebles playsets from the 1970s — the Weeble Haunted House, the Weeble Treehouse, and the Farm — in excellent condition with all original figures and accessories sell for $60 to $150. With original box in excellent condition, prices reach $150 to $250.
The Haunted House playset from 1976 is the most sought after, followed by the Weebles Wobble Clubhouse and the Weebles Farm. The original 1970s Weeble figures had a specific plastic shell with particular paint styles that distinguish them from later production runs. Any complete Weebles playset with all original figures, accessories, and in the original box is worth researching before selling.
Vintage Matchbox Cars (1970s)
41. Vintage Matchbox Cars (1970s)
Matchbox cars from the 1970s — the 1-75 series produced by Lesney — are actively collected, with certain castings and color variations commanding significant prices. Rare Matchbox 1-75 series castings in original boxes in the original box in excellent condition sell for $30 to $150 each. Unusual color variations produced in small numbers can reach $200 to $500.
The most valuable Matchbox cars from this era are those with factory errors — wrong colors, missing tampographics, or unusual wheel types — and those in never-removed-from-box condition. The transition period from the 1960s to 1970s production style produced some of the rarest variations. A Matchbox Superfast series transitional car in an unusual color in near-mint condition with its original box is the holy grail of the line.
Vintage Grease (1978) Movie Merchandise
42. Vintage Grease (1978) Movie Merchandise
Grease (1978) became the highest-grossing musical film in history at its release and generated significant merchandise. Original Grease movie merchandise from 1978 — the soundtrack album in original pressing worth $30 to $100, the Grease board game, the doll set, and promotional materials — in excellent condition sell for $40 to $200.
The most valuable Grease merchandise from the original release year is original one-sheet movie posters in fine condition ($100 to $400), the original 45 rpm single pressings of the hit songs, and Paramount Pictures press kit materials. The original Grease 2-LP soundtrack in the original gatefold sleeve in excellent condition commands $30 to $80 from vinyl collectors.
Vintage Banana Seat Bicycle (Schwinn Sting-Ray)
43. Vintage Banana Seat Bicycle (Schwinn Sting-Ray)
The banana seat bicycle — typified by the Schwinn Sting-Ray and its imitators — was the dominant children’s bike style of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Original Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycles in excellent original condition with the original paint, chrome, and accessories sell for $300 to $800. The Krate series with the stick shift and springer fork commands $500 to $2,000.
The condition of the chrome is critical — rust significantly reduces value. Original paint in excellent condition with minimal chips is highly prized. The original saddle, grips, and accessory items (headlamp, horn, flag) multiply the value considerably. Any Schwinn Sting-Ray from the early 1970s in genuinely excellent original condition is worth having assessed before selling — values have risen dramatically in the last decade.
Kenner SSP Racers
44. Kenner SSP Racers
Kenner’s SSP Racers — the Super Sonic Power cars launched with a gyroscopic flywheel using a rip cord — were one of the most popular boys’ toys of the early 1970s. Complete Kenner SSP Racer sets with the original car, the T-stick rip cord handle, and any original accessories in working condition sell for $50 to $150. Rarer cars and the larger SSP vehicles command more.
Working condition means the flywheel spins freely and the car travels in a straight line when launched. The T-stick rip cord should be intact and the cord should still engage the flywheel teeth. The most sought-after SSP vehicles are the Smash-Up Derby cars, the Tumble Weeds, and the larger vehicles with special functions. Any complete SSP set with the original box commands a significant premium.
Vintage Polaroid SX-70 Camera
45. Vintage Polaroid SX-70 Camera
The Polaroid SX-70 — introduced in 1972 and the first instant SLR camera — is one of the most beautifully designed cameras ever made and has become a collector object as well as a working photographic tool. A working Polaroid SX-70 in original aluminum and leather sells for $150 to $400. Special edition versions — the SX-70 Sonar OneStep and the chrome-finished Model 2 — command $200 to $500.
Polaroid Originals still produces compatible SX-70 film, which makes working cameras genuinely usable and drives real demand from film photographers. A camera that folds and unfolds smoothly, whose shutter fires, and whose mirror is clean and unfogged is worth significantly more than a non-working example. The original carrying case and strap add value. The SX-70 is arguably the most beautiful consumer camera ever mass-produced.
Vintage Partridge Family and Brady Bunch Merchandise
46. Vintage Partridge Family and Brady Bunch Merchandise
The Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family were the defining family television shows of the early 1970s and generated significant licensed merchandise. The Brady Bunch lunchbox with original thermos in excellent condition sells for $100 to $300. The Partridge Family bus model kit in original sealed box commands $80 to $200.
Other valuable merchandise includes the Partridge Family trading card sets in complete near-mint condition, the Brady Bunch trading cards, and promotional photographs signed by cast members. Both shows have dedicated collector communities with well-established price guides. Any merchandise from the original broadcast run in excellent condition commands premiums over later re-releases.
Vintage Bicentennial Commemorative Items (1976)
47. Vintage Bicentennial Commemorative Items (1976)
America’s 1976 Bicentennial generated one of the most comprehensive suites of commemorative merchandise in American history. Official Bicentennial commemorative coins and medals — particularly the official US Mint three-coin sets in original packaging — sell for $30 to $100. Limited-edition items produced by specific states, cities, and organizations in small quantities command more.
The most valuable Bicentennial items are those produced in genuinely limited quantities: state-specific commemorative plates in original boxes, the official Bicentennial silver medal sets, and promotional items from the major Bicentennial celebrations in Philadelphia and Washington DC. A sealed official Bicentennial three-coin set from the US Mint in original government packaging sells for $40 to $80.
Vintage TV Show Lunch Boxes (1970s)
48. Vintage TV Show Lunch Boxes (1970s)
Metal lunch boxes from the 1970s featuring popular TV shows are among the most actively collected pieces of American kitsch. Vintage TV show metal lunchboxes with original thermos in excellent condition sell for $80 to $300. The rarest 1970s lunchboxes — Lidsville, H.R. Pufnstuf, and Bugaloos — in excellent condition with their thermos command $200 to $600.
The thermos is essential — a lunchbox without its matching thermos is worth 40 to 60 percent of the complete set value. Condition issues include rust on the metal, dents, broken latches, and faded graphics. A lunchbox that has been displayed rather than used, in excellent condition with matching thermos, is the collector’s ideal. Any 1970s TV show lunchbox in genuinely fine condition deserves a careful search on completed eBay sales before pricing.
Vintage Blythe Dolls (Original 1972 Kenner)
49. Vintage Blythe Dolls (Original 1972 Kenner)
The original Kenner Blythe doll, produced for just one year in 1972 before being discontinued due to poor sales, has become one of the most valuable vintage dolls in existence. An original 1972 Kenner Blythe doll in excellent condition with all four eye colors functioning, original hair in good condition, and original outfit sells for $500 to $2,000. Near-mint examples with original accessories command $2,000 to $5,000.
The value depends critically on the condition of the eye-change mechanism (which should cycle through all four colors when the string is pulled), the hair (original curls, no cuts), and the face (no crazing or discoloration). The original 1972 Kenner Blythes are significantly more valuable than Japanese reproductions produced from 2000 onward. Authentication matters enormously — know the specific details of the 1972 production run before buying or selling.
Vintage Fisher-Price Wooden Pull Toys
50. Vintage Fisher-Price Wooden Pull Toys
Fisher-Price’s wooden toys from the late 1960s and early 1970s — before the company fully transitioned to plastic — are among the most collectible vintage toys in the market. Original Fisher-Price wooden pull toys like the Xylophone, the Corn Popper, and the Chatter Telephone from the early 1970s in excellent condition with all original components sell for $40 to $100 each.
The most valuable Fisher-Price wooden toys are the earliest production examples with the distinctive lithographed paper over wood construction, specific paint colors and graphic styles from the early 1970s, and any examples still in original packaging. The original Fisher-Price Little People figures in wood (transitioning to plastic in the early 1970s) are the most actively sought by collectors, with a complete barn set with wooden figures commanding $100 to $300.
