Have you kept your toys from the 70s? They can fetch you big today!

2 min read

With the vintage trend, your childhood possessions can fetch a fortune. Do you own one of those 1970s toys that's now a collector's delight?

When the future isn't glorious, human beings have one reflex: to look back. There's nothing better than to comfort oneself in the soft blanket of nostalgia, and pull out of the attic the objects that once enlivened childhood afternoons. And you, when was the last time you explored your toy box? Perhaps it's time to dust it off, because perhaps it holds a treasure.

Toys are popular

Whether it's for clothing, decoration, or even toys: vintage is all the rage. Flea markets, thrift stores, and other second-hand resale sites are becoming veritable treasure troves. The current case in point: the Pokémon card craze , a cult object from the 90s, whose first editions (called the "base set" for connoisseurs) are the darling of collectors. A single card can fetch several thousand euros , provided it's in good condition. Pikachu isn't the only guardian angel in your wallet. Other cult licenses like Polly Pocket, Transformers, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are the stuff of dreams for collectors and are selling for high prices on second-hand sites like eBay, Le Bon Coin, or even Vinted.

And what about the 70s?

If you grew up listening to Bowie's " Life on Mars? " or Abba's " Dancing Queen ," surrounded by rust- and mustard-colored walls and psychedelic-patterned carpets, then you're not left out when it comes to retro enthusiasts. Here are the 70s toys that can fetch big bucks these days.

Action Joe was born in 1975 in France, under Hasbro license. It is the cousin of the American GI Joe. These are articulated figurines of about 30 centimeters, which can wear different costumes according to their adventures. Cowboy, soldier, Native American… The children (often little boys) of yesterday have become today, for some, great collectors. From then on, the original figurines with complete accessories or special editions can be worth several hundred euros . At the time of writing this article, a simple outfit without the associated doll costs 50 euros, an “Action Joe Farwest” (outside its original box) costs 178 euros on Le Bon Coin!

The German brand Playmobil has been populating toy shelves since 1974. The first models were all male characters. It would take two years for the first female figurine to appear! In the meantime, the very first sets of these well-known toys (knights, workers) could fetch prices ranging from €200 to €500 , or even more in sealed boxes.

Between 1972 and 1986, Mattel, known for Barbie, also marketed “Big Jim.” A series of testosterone-fueled articulated figures. Indeed, Big Jim often had bulging biceps, and could move around in a van, Corvette, helicopter, spy boat… This toy was very popular in Europe. Special editions (spies, sports, etc.) in box can be worth €150 to €800 .