If you're looking for antiques to buy or have vintage toys you'd like to have appraised and sell, become familiar with characteristics that determine value. Two dolls or two train sets that seem similar may command quite different prices. Here are some points you should be aware of as you sort through these collector's items.

How to Tell If Antique Toys Are Valuable

1. Age

This isn’t a deciding factor, but older toys are usually more valuable because they’re more challenging to find. Toy chests from more recent decades can turn up some surprising treasures, but you’re more likely to have luck with items from the 1960s or earlier.

2. Condition

The less damaged an item is, the higher the price it brings. Unopened toys in pristine condition can drive up costs considerably. However, when it’s out of the box, an older item with ordinary wear and tear can help prove its authenticity.

3. Limited Availability

Maybe your item was part of a small production run of toys. It might also be delicate, so few survived intact. It could be an unusual variant — for instance, it could be a different color than the majority of others or be made with an atypical material. All of these factors increase the rarity of your item, which increases its value.

4. Cultural Significance

Some toys from the last century are well-recognized even today. A wide range of toys, including sock monkeys, vintage Barbie® dolls, Slinkies, and others remain acknowledged and loved, and they continue to appear in movies and other media. The more iconic the toy, the more valuable.

5. Nostalgia Factor

Toys that the buyer remembers playing with garner much more attention. This varies from person to person; however, toys that were popular at the time they were created are more likely to elicit an emotional reaction.

If you want to buy or sell vintage toys in Portage County, OH, choose Collector's Palace Coins & Jewelry in Streetsboro. Their knowledgeable staff will help you sort through a wide range of collectibles and memorabilia. Visit them seven days a week, or call (330) 626-2464. Learn more about the type of vintage toys they're looking for on their website.