12 Collectibles From the ’90s That Are Worth a Fortune Now

These 12 collectibles from the ’90s were once cheap or common but now sell for serious money.

Sophia Zapanta
May 20, 2025
4 min read

12 Collectibles From the ’90s That Are Worth a Fortune Now — Erik Mclean on Pexels

The 1990s produced a wave of toys, games, and pop culture items that were mass-produced and widely available. Many seemed ordinary at the time but are now rare and valuable to collectors. This list looks at some of the most surprising and profitable items from that decade.

1. First Edition Pokémon Cards

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The first Pokémon card sets released in 1999 are now worth thousands of dollars. Cards like the 1st Edition Charizard in mint condition have sold for over $200,000. Values depend on the card, its condition, and grading from trusted services. Even lower-tier cards can be worth hundreds today.

2. Nintendo 64 Games (Factory Sealed)

Ominae on Wikimedia Commons

Many N64 games are valuable, especially unopened copies of titles like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or Super Mario 64. A sealed copy of Super Mario 64 sold for over $1.5 million in 2021. Condition and original packaging are critical for high prices. Loose used games are common, but sealed ones are rare.

3. Tamagotchi (Original Versions)

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The original Tamagotchis were small virtual pet toys released in the late ’90s. While most sold for under $20, certain early editions in the box can sell for hundreds. Limited runs and rare colors are especially sought after. Some unopened models have reached prices near $1,000.

4. Magic: The Gathering Alpha Cards

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The Alpha set was the first Magic: The Gathering release in 1993. Cards like the Black Lotus have sold for over $500,000 if graded highly. Most cards from the Alpha set are valuable due to limited printing. Many were played and damaged, making mint copies extremely rare.

5. Beanie Babies (Select Versions Only)

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Most Beanie Babies are not valuable, but a few rare ones from the ’90s are worth thousands. Examples include the Princess Diana bear, Peanut the Royal Blue Elephant, and Valentino with tag errors. Price depends heavily on condition and tag details. Misprints and limited editions bring the highest prices.

6. Original Furbies (Unopened)

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Furbies were a massive craze starting in 1998. While common used Furbies sell for little, boxed first editions can sell for several hundred dollars. Certain limited versions and international models bring higher prices. Rarity and packaging play a big role in value.

7. Game Boy Games (Sealed)

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Original Game Boy games like Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Tetris are valuable if sealed. Some copies in perfect condition have sold for over $10,000. Opened versions can still bring decent money, especially if complete with the manual. Collectors pay most for factory-sealed boxes.

8. Tickle Me Elmo (Holiday 1996 Release)

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During the 1996 holiday season, this toy was nearly impossible to find. Most sold for around $30, but some parents paid hundreds during the frenzy. Today, original boxed versions from that year can sell for over $1,000. Limited releases and pristine condition are key factors.

9. Pogs and Slammers (Limited Editions)

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Pogs were a short-lived but popular game using cardboard discs and metal slammers. Most are worth very little, but rare promotional sets and first editions can reach hundreds of dollars. Official tournament sets or branded Pogs (like from fast food chains) can have value. Complete collections also attract buyers.

10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures (Early Releases)

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Action figures from the original TMNT line, especially those from 1988–1992, are now highly collectible. Figures in unopened packaging can sell for hundreds or more. Some rare characters or variants can go even higher. Condition, packaging, and production year affect prices.

11. Harry Potter First Edition Books

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The U.S. edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone from 1998 isn’t as rare, but the first UK printing of Philosopher’s Stone from 1997 is extremely valuable. First editions with specific printing details have sold for over $100,000. The earlier the printing, the higher the price. Signed copies are even more valuable.

12. LEGO Sets (Retired Themes)

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Certain 1990s LEGO sets, especially from themes like Space, Castle, or Pirates, are now worth a lot. Sealed sets can sell for thousands, depending on the theme and rarity. Even opened sets with all pieces and manuals have value. Retired sets in excellent condition attract collectors.