Viewers watched 5.1 billion minutes of Stranger Things in just one week when the first part of Season 4 was released on May 29. With Part Two hitting the screens this week, the show is guaranteed to bring another wave of nostalgia to children of the ‘80s era.
When watching the show, we have spotted quite a few things that look familiar such as the odd toy or console that many of us may have tucked away in our loft. Although these items may seem a little outdated compared to today’s technology, many of them can be worth a lot of money.
With this in mind, we’ve gathered some of the top 80s throwback items that you may remember (or even still have!) that could be worth a small fortune on the market today:
1. Cabbage Patch Kids
With their distinctive round faces and woollen hair, Cabbage patch dolls were a popular item on many Christmas lists in 1983. Believe it or not, the demand for the dolls became so high that many stores had long waiting lists to prevent customer fights.
Whilst versions of the dolls are still available today, many collectors have kept their originals in pristine condition, and some of the rarest dolls, such as Anne Greta and Teresa Ann, can be worth up to $2,000.
2. Dungeons and Dragons
Any keen Stranger Things fans will have likely heard of D&D before, as the game is a common hobby among characters in the show. However, although the game was originally released in 1974, it gained most of its popularity throughout the late ’70s and ’80s.
Whilst original cards, dice, books and figures from the game can sell for a few hundred dollars, mint copies of the original boxed set can sell for upwards of $5,000 as only 1,000 of these sets were made by the original inventors back in 1974.
3. Nintendo system
Although the 1985 Nintendo system may not offer the same technological advancements as the modern-day Switch, this console was a revelation when first released.
The selling costs for an ’80s Nintendo can vary depending on the system’s condition and whether it comes with original accessories and controllers. On average, these systems can sell for between $20 and $130.
4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Comics
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a common collectable throughout the 1980s. With the popular television series airing in the ‘90s, and the franchise still going to this day, the original comics are a hot commodity for major fans.
Whilst most TMNT comics may only be worth a little more than their original price, some editions can be worth a few thousand dollars, with a 1st print of the #1 comic selling for $88,000.
5. Atari Console
Before Playstations and Xboxes were on the scene, Ataris game consoles were the go-to gaming systems. Despite the fact an Atari 2600A can fetch around $1,800, the consoles aren’t the only thing that can be worth a small fortune.
Original Atari games can sell for thousands of dollars. In fact, a copy of the 1982 game Air Raid sold for $33,433 in 2012, and a cartridge alone sold for over $3,500.
6. Vintage Barbie dolls
Since its creation in 1959, Barbie has remained a timeless classic with countless special editions. Vintage Barbies from the late 50s and 60s are the biggest sellers amongst collectors, with mint condition dolls being valued up to $25,000.
However, another valuable edition is the holiday Barbies from 1988-1992. These dolls in top condition can sell for between $40-$200, but dolls still in their box can sell for around $1,000.
7. Game Boy
The Game Boy console was first released back in 1989. Despite initially retailing for just £67.40, some gamers have been able to sell theirs for upwards of $350. However, special editions of the console have been sold for much higher prices.
The Game Boy light was an updated version of the Pocket and was exclusively released in Japan in 1998. However, only a limited number of this version were sold due to the Game Boy Colour being released just a few months later. Research reveals that some Game Boy Light consoles have previously sold for more than £620.
8. Sony Walkman
Although technology has progressed over the last few decades, nothing seems to encapture music nostalgia quite like a Sony Walkman! Especially given their recent appearances in hits like Stranger Things and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Although these devices require cassette tapes to play music and are limited to only one album at a time, Walkmans can still sell for a few hundred pounds and even thousands depending on the condition.
9. Care Bears
Having been created by a greeting card company in 1981, the loveable Care Bears became a common sight across books, televisions and toys. Although the plush toys may not appear to be worth much, limited or special editions of the bears can now sell for over $1,200.
Nobleheart the Horse is the most prized amongst collectors and can sell for between $800 and $1,200. However, prices can vary depending on the toy’s condition. This can include fading of the fur, scratches on the eyes and whether or not the original box is owned.
10. G.I. Joe
From comics to movies, G.I. Joe became more than just an action figure. But for many collectors, these vintage figures are a well-desired item, with some figures selling for thousands of dollars.
The rarest G.I. Joe figure is the Series Two Snake Eyes, which despite being released in 1983, recently sold for $12,900 at auction. Other worthy collectables include the U.S.S. Flagg aircraft carrier worth around $7,000 and the G.I Joe VAMP & HAL Sears Exclusive worth around $7,500.
Do you have something which could be worth a small fortune?
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