1. Avon Collectible Bottles
Back in the ’70s and ’80s, Avon was more than just door-to-door cosmetics—it was also about those quirky perfume bottles shaped like cars, animals, and even telephones. Families would hold onto them like they were rare works of art, assuming one day they would fetch a tidy sum.
But the truth is Avon produced them by the millions, making them about as common as dandelions in spring. Today, most are worth only a few dollars, with collectors often passing them up unless they’re still in pristine condition with the original box. That “rare” wild west stagecoach bottle your aunt saved? It is more sentimental than valuable.
2. Depression Glass
That pastel pink or green glassware often displayed proudly in the dining room cabinet seemed like something special. Families loved to point out that it came from the Great Depression, adding an air of historical importance to its glow.
But in reality, Depression glass was mass-produced and even given away for free with gas purchases, groceries, or cereal box promotions. Because so much of it was made, only a handful of patterns or colors have any real value today. For most pieces, it is a trip down memory lane rather than a ticket to fortune.
3. Collector Plates
Those decorative plates from Franklin Mint, Bradford Exchange, or other mail-order companies always came with certificates of authenticity, making them feel rare and precious. They were often themed around famous paintings, wildlife, or even TV shows, and many families displayed them proudly.
Unfortunately, mass production and marketing made them anything but rare. Today, the secondary market is flooded with these plates, and most sell for only a few dollars despite the hefty original price tags. The emotional connection usually outweighs any financial gain.
4. Silver-Plated Flatware Sets
Many families saved boxed sets of ornate flatware for “special occasions,” passing them down as heirlooms meant to impress future generations. The boxes often gave them an air of luxury, and the weight of the utensils felt significant.
But most were silver-plated rather than solid sterling, making them inexpensive in both production and resale value. They tarnish easily and are common enough that antique stores barely take notice. They may make a table look nice, but they will not pay for retirement.
5. Hummel Figurines
These sweet, rosy-cheeked German figurines of children and angels were once seen as prized collectibles. Families proudly displayed them on mantels and china cabinets, convinced they were holding onto future antiques.
The problem is that Hummel figurines were produced in such large numbers during their peak popularity that the market became oversaturated. Today, most sell for a fraction of what they once cost new. They are charming but hardly the nest egg many thought they would be.
6. Cut Glass “Crystal” Bowls
A glittering cut-glass bowl sitting in the center of a table was often referred to as crystal and treated like fine treasure. Guests were sometimes reminded not to touch it, as if it were too precious to handle.
But many of these pieces were actually pressed glass, made quickly and cheaply in molds rather than hand-cut. While still pretty, they lack the craftsmanship and rarity of true crystal. For most families, their value is purely decorative.
7. Norman Rockwell Prints
Rockwell’s artwork captured the American spirit and was beloved by many, so when prints of his works were sold widely in the ’60s and ’70s, families snapped them up. They hung in dens and living rooms, often framed as if they were museum pieces.
The issue is that these prints were mass-produced and rarely hold much value beyond décor. Authentic, signed Rockwell pieces can command high prices, but the everyday reproductions are worth only a fraction of that. Still, they carry a comforting sense of nostalgia.
8. Milk Glass
Milk glass dishes, vases, and knickknacks filled many a kitchen or dining room cabinet. Its opaque white finish gave off an old-fashioned charm that suggested rarity and heritage.
However, milk glass was inexpensive to produce and made in huge quantities throughout the 20th century. Today, even the most elaborate pieces usually sell cheaply at flea markets. It remains a charming reminder of home rather than a fortune-maker.
9. Pressed Tin Toys
That old metal fire truck or wind-up tin robot seemed like a relic from a simpler time, and many families saved them, believing they were valuable antiques. The bright colors and nostalgic designs added to the illusion of rarity.
Yet, most of these toys were mass-produced, especially in the postwar years, making them far less rare than people imagined. Unless they are in mint condition with original packaging, their worth is modest at best. More often, the memories are priceless while the toys themselves are not.
10. Costume Jewelry
A strand of pearls or a ring with a gigantic fake rock passed down from a grandmother often carried the weight of sentiment and elegance. Families assumed they were genuine, equating their luster with luxury.
But in many cases, these were simply costume jewelry, mass-produced glass or plastic beads coated to resemble pearls. Jewelers can easily spot the difference, and most hold little monetary value. The true worth lies in the family story they represent.
11. Commemorative Coins
Mail-order commemorative coins were marketed as rare, patriotic investments. They came in plastic cases with certificates, adding a sense of importance to the collection.
But most of these coins were struck in such large quantities that their actual value rarely exceeds face value or a small premium for the metal content. They are interesting pieces of history, but not the goldmine many were promised.
12. Ceramic Animal Figurines
From dogs and cats to elephants and horses, ceramic figurines filled shelves in many homes. They were often gifted at holidays or picked up on family trips, later being treated as special keepsakes.
Most were produced by companies churning them out by the millions, with little rarity involved. They remain cute and nostalgic but hold minimal collector value. For many families, their charm lies in the memories attached, not the price tag.
13. Elvis Memorabilia
During the height of Elvis mania, companies produced everything from plates and mugs to alarm clocks with his face on them. Families who treasured Elvis would often keep these items, thinking they would someday be worth a fortune.
But because so many were produced, most of these collectibles fetch little more than pocket change today. Only rare items directly connected to Elvis himself have significant value. For most fans, the emotional connection is still the real prize.
14. Coca-Cola Glassware
Coca-Cola promotions once included giving away glasses, trays, and even clocks bearing the brand’s logo. Families often saved these items, thinking the recognizable name made them automatically valuable.
But because the company produced such enormous quantities, they remain widely available and inexpensive. While fun to display, they are more kitschy than collectible. They remind us of soda fountains and backyard barbecues, not investment portfolios.