Any television show, music, toy, or game can be part of popular culture, but “pop culture memorabilia often refers to items from the 1940s through the 1980s that evoke nostalgia for collectors.
Pop culture usually refers to the music, movies, television shows, books, art, and celebrities that were popular during the 20th century. It’s a phenomenon generated by mass media that speaks to specific world views generated decade by decade.
Pop culture memorabilia shares some overlap with the pop art movement closely associated with the art of Andy Warhol and other prominent figures.
It’s also a term specific to the cultural elements that had broad appeal to the masses. While pop culture sometimes dismissed as superficial, there’s a huge audience of serious and discerning collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for important pieces.
1960’s Volkswagen Bus Lunchbox by Omni Graphics – sold at auction for $840
The Avengers #1 CGC 4.0 comic book – sold at auction for $3,900
What type of pop culture memorabilia sells best at auction?
Pop culture produces plenty of objects, but not all of it sells. When determining whether you have items worth appraising, look for:
- Action figures
- Toys
- Comic books
- Posters
- Movie memorabilia
- Show memorabilia
- Props and costumes
- Vinyl records
- Retro video games
- Art
- Sports memorabilia
- General memorabilia
Memorabilia can sell for $50 or $500,000, depending mainly on what the memorabilia is. A small acoustic guitar owned by John Lennon sold for $35,000. A 1979 Star Wars Rocket Firing Boba Fett action figure, recalled before it ever hit the market, sold for $185,850. Smaller wins are also possible: a Cheech and Chong Autographed Vinyl LP sold for $330.
What makes pop culture memorabilia valuable?
Look for items in good condition. A tired, faded, broken Barbie doll isn’t worth much. A 1960s Barbie in her original packaging, with her original hairstyle and clothes, may be worth several hundred dollars.
Rarity will also make a big difference to the worth of the item. As with any collectibles, there are some which are readily available and there are some types of memorabilia that are almost impossible to find.
Highly nostalgic items will almost always sell. Items with a higher degree of cultural significance or past popularity will always be worth more than more obscure or lesser-known items.
Signed memorabilia is almost always worth assessing.
Finally, there is provenance and authenticity. Knowing the history of the item, including past owners, can help you sell the item for much more. It can also help verify the authenticity of the item in a space where counterfeits exist.
Selle your pop culture memorabilia today
If you’re not sure whether your old memorabilia is worth anything, schedule an assessment with Central Mass Auctions. We can help you determine whether an auction makes sense for you, and then can help connect you to motivated buyers.
You can call Central Mass Auctions at 508-612-6111, or email us.
