Check Your 2007 Drawers: This Item Could Be Worth $50K
▼ Summary
– Common household clutter, such as old phones or spare change, can contain items worth a significant amount of money.
– An investment expert warns that people often discard items that could substantially contribute to their retirement savings.
– A first-generation iPhone from 2007, especially in sealed or mint condition, can be worth tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
– Certain rare or error coins, like the 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny, can be worth millions or thousands of dollars respectively.
– Even recently discontinued or misprinted currency, such as specific 1999 state quarters, can have a value far exceeding its face value.
That cluttered drawer in your home might be hiding a surprising financial windfall. Everyday items from years past, especially technology and coins, are becoming highly sought-after collectibles with values that can reach staggering amounts. Experts suggest that people often discard objects without realizing their potential to significantly bolster savings or retirement funds. The reality is that certain common possessions could appreciate to become more valuable than traditional investments in the coming years.
One standout example is a device that was revolutionary nearly two decades ago. The original first-generation iPhone, released in 2007, is now a coveted collector’s item. While it originally sold for $499, sealed, pristine models now command prices far beyond their initial cost at auction. Current estimates suggest these phones in mint condition could easily surpass $50,000 in value by 2030, with some recent sales demonstrating even higher potential.
Recent auction results support this dramatic appreciation. In one notable 2023 sale, a first-generation 8GB iPhone fetched over $63,000. Even more astonishing, an extremely rare 4GB model from the same launch year sold for more than $190,000. These figures highlight how early technology, preserved in its original packaging, can transform into a substantial asset.
Beyond electronics, another potential treasure trove is often overlooked: spare change. With the penny no longer being produced in some countries, it’s worth examining coins more closely. While most common pennies won’t yield a fortune, older varieties can be exceptionally valuable. Specific rare coins, like the 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny in uncirculated condition, have been valued at millions of dollars.
Even modern coins with manufacturing errors can see their worth skyrocket. For instance, certain 1999 Georgia state quarters with a particular minting mistake have been appraised for up to $10,000 each. This demonstrates that value isn’t always tied to age alone; uniqueness and condition are critical factors. Taking the time to sort through old drawers and boxes could reveal items that are far more significant than their everyday appearance suggests.
(Source: NJ.com)