Growing up in the 90s? Then you might have had a Furby, those little creatures that blinked, wiggled, and spoke their own language. The 1998 original can sell for around 600 euros, but some collector's editions are skyrocketing. One model studded with Swarovski crystals and diamonds—yes, really—sold for 7,500 euros. It was designed by a San Francisco jeweler and retailed at the time for over 90,000 euros. There are only five of them in the world.
The Potter jackpot and Nintendo cartridges
Same story for Beanie Babies. These soft toys filled with marbles were all the rage at the time. Some rare models, like the Beanie tribute to Lady Diana, can reach up to 72,500 euros at auction, reports the Daily Mail! Well, most of them aren't worth much anymore (often 1 or 2 euros), but names like "Flash the Dolphin" or "Legs the Frog" can still resell for a few hundred euros.
As for When it comes to books, witchcraft fans can also hit the jackpot. A copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the 1997 first edition with its misprints (and "Joanne Rowling" instead of "J.K. Rowling"), can fetch between €27,000 and €45,000. In 2022, a copy even sold for more than €256,000 in the United Kingdom. And the world record reached €412,000, set in the United States. Not bad for a book sold at At the time, it cost €10.99.
When it comes to controllers, early Nintendo Super Mario games are highly sought after. A blister-pack copy of Super Mario Bros. 3 fetched €140,000 at auction. Even without going that high, a small collection of well-preserved cartridges can be worth a few hundred euros. Collectors are especially looking for complete games, with their original box and instructions.
It's not just about rarity or impeccable condition. The value also comes from nostalgia. These objects recall an era, an atmosphere, childhood memories. And that comes at a price. The vintage toy market has exploded in recent years, with fans willing to spend big to rediscover the icons of their youth.
So before you clear out your parents' house or give away that old box of toys, take a look. You might stumble upon a little treasure. And even if it's not a fortune, it's always nice to see that an old toy is still popular... especially when it can buy you a weekend or two.
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