10 Collectibles That Could Be Worth Serious Money

Look for these collectibles in your local thrift store. The key is knowing what to look for and recognizing it when you see it.

Have you ever inherited a stamp collection from a family member and didn't know its value? Or maybe you've been hoarding away coins ever since you were a child. These collectibles may look like standard household items, but depending on the provenance, maker, rarity, and authenticity, you might have something of real value on your hands.

While valuable collectibles are often sold at auctions and consignment stores, others can be found hiding at local secondhand shops. You might be able to find an under-the-radar treasure at an estate sale or pick up a valuable figurine at Goodwill. The key is knowing exactly what to look for and recognizing the right mark when you see it.

To help you in your search, we spoke to experts who shared several collectible items that could be worth a lot of money and what to look for if you want to invest in coins, stamps, jewelry, and other valuable keepsakes.

Related: 10 Valuable Collectibles That Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight in Your Home

Fine Art

Art can be an alternative asset, but the key is knowing which pieces are of significant value on the resale market. "When buying art with investment in mind, I focus my research for clients on ascertaining the levels of commercial, critical, and institutional support for the artist and the specific body of work," says Kelly Cahn, an art advisor and appraiser at Kelly Cahn LLC .

She looks at whether the artist has shown with reputable galleries, whether their works have traded publicly and privately, how often their work appears at auction, and what the critical response has been like.

But you can also find great art that may be surprisingly valuable at thrift stores, flea markets, and other secondhand opportunities.

Related: Thrift Store Art Is Always the Way to Go—Here's How to Shop Like a Pro

Coins

Have a dollar coin from your grandparents sitting around? It may be more valuable than it seems. One especially rare coin is the Morgan Silver Dollar, which was minted from 1878 to 1904.

"Coins that are harder to find are more valuable, but know two Morgan Silver Dollars are not the same," says Reyne Hirsch, owner and fine art expert at Dallas Auction Gallery . "The year and the condition of the coin can make the difference between a $2 and a $20,000 coin."

Timepieces

Watches have a committed legion of collectors, and timepieces from Rolex, Cartier, and Omega can be worth well into the tens of thousands of dollars. "A great condition Rolex in certain styles can often increase in value over time. For example, a gold Rolex Submariner from the 1970s sold for just a few thousand dollars. That same watch today can cost $30,000 or higher," says Hirsch.

Jewelry

Unsurprisingly, jewelry can be extremely valuable, especially if you pick up a precious metal, gemstone, or a known maker. "Some signed pieces can be worth quite a bit. The price of sterling fluctuates but ultimately goes up over time," says Jennifer Prince, owner of It's FOUND Vintage , who enjoys collecting sterling silver Navajo pieces.

Because the price of gold will almost always increase, Prince also recommends picking up solid gold when you come across it at estate sales or in antique stores.

Historical Documents

Want to own a piece of history? Significant historical documents with notable monetary value can be found in antique stores and at auctions. "Historical documents, autographs, and medieval manuscripts are very valuable and prized by collectors, in the same realm as high-end art, rare books, coins, and maps," says Nathan Raab, president at The Raab Collection .

Rare Books

For those passionate about literature or academia, rare books can have monetary and intellectual value. "Some books will have—or have the potential—to increase in value, depending on factors like rarity, provenance, desirability, and condition," says Barbara Basbanes Richter, founder at DIYBook .

She adds that if you're looking to build a collection of valuable rare books, you should set a budget, research your chosen field, and cultivate relationships with booksellers who specialize in that area.

Signed Glassware

While glassware can be a dime a dozen at antique shops and thrift stores, some specific makers are considered collectible. "I found a lovely set of tumblers signed 'Georges Briard,'" Prince says. "Curious about the name, I looked it up and discovered that they are midcentury modern glasses worth $30 to $50 each, so you better believe that I snagged all 10 of them for $15 total."

When you see a piece of glassware you think is rare or valuable, look for the maker's mark and research it—you may have struck gold.

Stamps

While your basic forever stamp might not be worth more than 73 cents, there are rare stamps that can fetch a pretty penny. If you inherit a stamp collection or find one at a secondhand store for a song, consider looking through it for presidential stamps or specific issues featuring important historical events.

Vinyl Records

Not all vinyl records are valuable, but if you have an original vinyl of a major rock band from the 1960s or 1970s, you might be able to sell it for thousands of dollars. Look for original records from The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Prince, Queen, and Led Zeppelin, among other classic acts.

Related: Do You Collect Vinyl Records? These Are the Most Rare and Valuable Pressings of All Time

Porcelain Figurines

Porcelain figurines have been popular as charming collectibles for centuries. From dogs to bunnies, these fragile items aren't just for your grandmother's china cabinet. Names like Herend and Lladró sell for hundreds and even thousands of dollars—and you may even find them hiding at your local thrift store.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart .