Every decade brings its own trendy things, something that most people find cool, and aspire to have. Some things are more available to larger populations, while some remain only for those who have a lot of money.
With the development of TV and the Internet, these items became advertised more than ever, and more and more people wanted to have what was seen as popular at the time.
Starting from the ’50s, here are some of the most popular and the most valuable items of each decade.
1. 1950s: The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa
In the ’50s, luxury cars were rising in popularity, and soon they weren’t just transportation; they became art on wheels.
The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa was a sleek and powerful car that became the ultimate symbol of style, status, and also, speed.
Today, it is classified as one of the rarest collector cars in the world, and it fetches over $30 million at auction. Definitely one of the most valuable items from the ’50s you can own.
2. 1960s: The Original Barbie Doll (1959 Release)
Every little girl wanted to have her! Barbie made her debut in 1959, and by the ’60s, she was a cultural icon everybody knew.
This version had her iconic black-and-white swimsuit and a high ponytail, which charmed and inspired all girls and young women at the time. The first edition Barbie now sells for thousands.
She was never just a doll; she is a friend to many, and plastic gold to collectors. Surely, the most valuable item of the ’60s.
3. 1970s: Star Wars Action Figures (Especially Boba Fett)
Many sci-fi fans know that when Star Wars hit theaters in 1977, its merchandise exploded, and so did its value.
They produced many toys and figurines, but the rare rocket-firing Boba Fett figure is now probably one of the most valuable toys ever made.
Check this out: what once cost $2 in a toy aisle, affordable to many, can now auction for over $150,000. Surely, the most valuable item of the ’70s.
4. 1980s: The Apple-1 Computer
We are all used to our sleek laptops today, but this chunky piece of tech history launched the Apple empire. It was hand-built by Steve Wozniak and represents the prototype for all the Apple computers.
Back then, only around 200 were made, and now, just a few survive in working condition.
It may look old, basic, and useless, but it now sells for around $500,000. That price makes it the most valuable item of the ’90s.
5. 1990s: Pokémon First Edition Holographic Charizard Card
When Pokémon started airing on TV, every kid and young adult was obsessed. They loved the cards, which became the ’90s playground currency, and Charizard was king.
First-edition holographic cards, especially PSA-graded ones, are now very sought-after items, and collectors cannot get enough.
One mint Charizard recently sold for over $400,000, which proves that this is one of the most valuable items from the ’90s.
6. 2000s: Supreme Box Logo T-Shirts (Early Drops)
In the early 2000s, younger generations especially said goodbye to smart looks, and streetwear exploded. Supreme was at the epicenter of this new fashion boom, offering comfy and quality clothes.
Their limited “box logo” drops became so popular and instantly sold out, with resale prices skyrocketing basically overnight.
Some of the early editions now resell for thousands, which proves to us that fashion can definitely become an investment. This makes these T-shirts probably the most valuable things from the 2000s.
7. 2010s: Bitcoin (If You Bought in 2010…)
In 2010, Bitcoin was worth just a few cents, and many saw it as a weird internet nonsense.
But those who were patient and held onto even a single coin are now sitting on tens of thousands of dollars.
Nobody (or just a few) saw it coming, and now many regret not buying it back then. But it remains the most valuable possession of the 2010s.
8. 2020s: NFTs Like CryptoPunks and Bored Apes
Whether you love them or truly hate them, NFTs shook the digital art world in the 2020s. Many started changing their avatars to these icons of apes: with sunglasses, cigarettes, cool hats, etc. The public was obsessed.
Projects like CryptoPunks and Bored Apes sold for hundreds of thousands, and sometimes millions.
They’re undeniably digital bragging rights, and they defined the decade’s idea of “value.”
