As National Trading Card Day on 24th February and National Pokémon Day on 27th February approach, experts are urging people to check attics and garages for potentially valuable collectibles.
The renewed interest follows a high-profile sale in February 2026, when influencer Logan Paul auctioned his rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card for $16.492 million, setting a record as the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction. Paul had purchased the PSA 10 graded card in 2021 for $5.275 million.
While few own such ultra-rare items, finance expert Jacques Wengler, founder of StockIntent, says broader market trends are elevating the value of everyday vintage collectibles, including trading cards, toys, comics, technology, and memorabilia.
“Most Americans have no idea that the most valuable investments they will ever own might already be sitting in a closet, garage, or storage box,” said Wengler. “These items that originally sold for modest prices are now bringing hundreds of thousands or even millions at auction.”
Physical collectibles have delivered strong returns even as headlines are dominated by stocks and cryptocurrency. The global collectibles market was estimated at USD 306.44 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 535.50 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025–2033, driven by demand for rare, authenticated items.
Vintage Apple products often yield surprising returns. A sealed first-generation iPod from 2001 sold for $29,000 in 2023, while factory-sealed original iPhones from 2007 have fetched high prices. One unopened 4GB model sold for more than $190,000 in 2023, and others exceeded $100,000 in subsequent sales between 2023 and 2025.
Star Wars memorabilia from the original releases commands premium prices. A 1978 Luke Skywalker action figure with a fully extended double-telescoping lightsaber sold for over $161,000 in 2025, while rare variants like vinyl Cape Jawa figures have achieved tens of thousands of dollars, driven by scarcity and collector enthusiasm.
Classic video games in sealed condition have also broken records. In 2021, an unopened copy of Super Mario Bros. from 1985 sold for $2 million, one of the highest prices ever for a video game. That same year, a sealed Super Mario 64 sold for $1.56 million, highlighting the appeal of mint early Nintendo titles.
Sports trading cards featuring iconic athletes continue to deliver exceptional value. A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for approximately $12.6 million. Comic books, especially early issues and first appearances, perform strongly, with a high-grade copy of Superman No. 1 selling for more than $9 million.
Wengler emphasises that these items were never intended as investments, which is why they have become so valuable. “Condition, authenticity, and original packaging are what separate a $100 collectible from a six-figure one. Scarcity drives the market, and once supply disappears, prices can accelerate quickly,” Wengler said.
Wengler added: “People may have opened the boxes, played with them, or stored them without thinking twice. The items that survived in pristine condition are now worth more than many stock portfolios. As nostalgia continues to fuel demand, we expect the gap between average condition and mint condition items to widen even further. Online auction platforms and specialty marketplaces allow sellers to reach a global audience, often bringing top-dollar for rare items. Before buying your next investment, it might be worth checking your attic first.”