5 Forgotten 80s Treasures Worth a Fortune Now
The Rise of 1980s Entertainment Memorabilia in the Collectibles Market
In today’s collecting market, it’s not the traditional handmade quilts or heirloom silver that are making headlines. Instead, it’s the entertainment items—particularly those from the 1980s—that are dominating auction houses and commanding high prices. According to appraiser Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions, a specialist in collectibles like sports memorabilia, comic books, and autographs, “entertainment or pop culture is the category that is really the most collectible and bringing in the highest values right now.”
This trend isn’t just a passing fad. Marsha explains that there seems to be a cycle every 30 years where certain items regain popularity. “The kids who would have wanted these games and dolls for Christmas during the 1980s are now thirty years older and looking for things from their childhood to collect now.” This generational shift has led to a surge in demand for 1980s-era entertainment memorabilia.
However, before collectors start scouring attics and basements for treasures, it’s important to understand that condition plays a crucial role in determining value. Marsha emphasizes that only items that are unopened and unused typically hold any real resale value. Additionally, grading and authentication have become essential steps in the process of selling collectibles.
How Grading Works
Each category of collectibles, such as video games, comic books, or action figures, has its own standardized grading scale. The primary factor in determining an item’s grade is its condition, though rarity and other factors can also influence its value. The higher the grade, the greater the potential value. For example, a video game that is unopened and in near-mint condition could be worth significantly more than one that has been played.
Popular 1980s Collectibles
Video Game Consoles
Video game consoles from the 1980s are fetching impressive prices, especially when they are rare or in excellent condition. One notable example is the Nintendo PlayStation prototype, which sold at auction for $360,000 in March 2020. This particular model was one of only 200 prototypes, with the rest destroyed, making it a one-of-a-kind item. Even less rare consoles, like the NES Nintendo PlayStation, can sell for between $1,000 and $3,000 if they are complete and in working condition. Unopened, deluxe systems that are graded as near-mint can also bring five-figure sums. Other brands like Atari and Sega Genesis have also seen high prices depending on condition and accessories.
What It’s Worth: $1,000 to $3,000
Video Games
Individual video games often hold more value than the consoles themselves. Marsha notes that some of the most popular games, such as Legend of Zelda (1985), Super Mario Brothers, and Madden football titles, have sold for over $16,000, with some unopened copies reaching over a million dollars. The key to high value is rarity, popularity, and condition—games that are unopened and unplayed tend to fetch the highest prices.
What It’s Worth: $10,000 and up to above six figures (above grade 8.5)
American Girl Dolls
Samantha, one of the original American Girl dolls, can be worth thousands if she is in good condition with her original clothes and accessories. However, not all Samantha dolls are valuable. Only those with a white body, signed by the original creator, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity are considered high-value. Other early American Girl dolls, such as Felicity, Addy, Molly, and Kirsten, may also be worth thousands, but again, only if they are signed number one dolls with a white body.
What It’s Worth: Up to $12,000 (signed, number one white body Samantha), others up to $7,000 (signed, number one white body)
VHS Tapes
Though VCRs are obsolete, some VHS tapes from the late 1970s and early 1980s have reached five-figure auction values. Graded, unopened tapes of popular films like Halloween, Star Wars, and Toy Story are particularly sought after. Horror and sci-fi titles, especially those that were never released on DVD or digital formats, can command even higher prices.
What It’s Worth: Up to $25,000 (rare, highly graded)
Action Figures
Action figures, particularly those from the Star Wars franchise, remain highly collectible. Condition and rarity are key factors in determining value. A prototype of the Rocket Firing Boba Fett sold for $525,000, making it the highest price ever paid for this type of toy. Other rare figures, such as Captain Action or classic superheroes, can also reach significant values if they are in mint condition and in original packaging.
What It’s Worth: $25 to $525,000
