4 Indiana’s Once-Popular Collectibles That Have Crashed And 6 Others Still On The Rise

Indiana has always been a collector’s playground – where dusty attics and roadside antique malls have unearthed everything from quirky curios to six-figure gems. But not all treasures stand the test of time.

In recent years, some once-coveted collectibles have plummeted in value, leaving boxes of Beanie Babies and ceramic angels gathering dust.

Meanwhile, other items are skyrocketing at flea markets, estate sales, and online auctions. If you’re collecting in the Hoosier State, here’s what to let go – and what to grab while you still can.

1. Beanie Babies

Remember the craze that swept through Indiana homes in the 1990s? Those adorable stuffed animals with heart-shaped tags now gather dust in many attics.

Once valued at hundreds or even thousands of dollars, most Beanie Babies sell for mere pocket change at yard sales. Only rare specimens with manufacturing errors or limited editions maintain any significant value.

2. Hummel Figurines

Delicate porcelain children once commanded impressive prices and dominated curio cabinets across Indiana households. Today’s younger generations show little interest in these quaint German figurines.

Auction houses report steady price declines over two decades. What once sold for $300+ now struggles to fetch $50. The market has become saturated as older collectors downsize and estates liquidate entire collections.

3. Longaberger Baskets

Handcrafted maple wood baskets were status symbols throughout the Midwest during the 1990s. Hoosier homemakers hosted parties specifically to acquire these American-made treasures.

After the company’s bankruptcy, values plummeted dramatically. Baskets that originally cost $100+ commonly sell for $20 at consignment shops. Even the famous basket-shaped headquarters building sold for pennies on the dollar.

4. Precious Moments Figurines

Those teardrop-eyed porcelain children once filled dedicated shelves in countless Indiana homes. Collectors eagerly anticipated each new release, often driving hours to purchase limited editions.

Secondary market values have collapsed by 80% since their heyday. The figurines’ distinctively saccharine aesthetic hasn’t connected with younger collectors. Most pieces now sell for a fraction of their original retail prices at Midwest antique malls.

5. Vintage Vinyl Records

Across Indiana, dusty record collections are becoming unexpected treasure troves. Original pressings from Hoosier artists like Michael Jackson and John Mellencamp command premium prices.

Local record shops report steady price increases of 15-20% annually for mint condition albums. The analog warmth and tangible artwork appeal to both nostalgic Baby Boomers and experience-seeking Millennials, creating a uniquely diverse collector base.

6. Pyrex And Fire-King Glassware

Colorful vintage cookware from grandma’s kitchen now commands serious cash throughout the Hoosier State. Patterned Pyrex bowls and jadite Fire-King pieces have passionate collectors hunting through thrift stores statewide.

Rare patterns like the “Lucky in Love” Pyrex casserole dish can fetch over $4,000. The nostalgic appeal combines with practical usability, creating the perfect storm for increasing values. Indiana’s strong heritage of home cooking makes these pieces especially coveted locally.

7. Sports Cards

Trading cards featuring Indiana legends like Larry Bird and racing icons have exploded in value. Graded rookie cards from the 1980s and earlier have become serious investment vehicles.

Local card shops report 200-300% value increases for key cards since 2019. The pandemic reignited collecting passion as people rediscovered childhood hobbies. Indianapolis 500 driver cards from the golden era have become particularly sought-after regional specialties.

8. Retro Video Games And Consoles

Factory-sealed Nintendo games from the 1980s and 90s now sell for astonishing prices across Indiana collector circles. Even common titles in excellent condition command significantly more than their original retail prices.

Working Atari and NES consoles have quadrupled in value over the last decade. The generation that grew up with these systems now has disposable income and nostalgic yearnings. Indianapolis gaming conventions regularly feature five-figure sales of rare cartridges.

9. Antique Farm Tools And Signs

Rusty implements that once worked Indiana soil have found new life as coveted decorative pieces. Authentic barn signs, seed company advertisements, and hand-forged tools generate bidding wars at rural auctions.

Pristine porcelain signs from Indiana companies like Red Crown Gasoline can exceed $5,000. The authentic connection to Hoosier agricultural heritage drives values higher each year. Designers specifically seek these items to add character to modern farmhouse-style homes.

10. Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Sleek designs from the 1950s and 60s have skyrocketed in popularity throughout Indiana’s urban centers. Pieces once discarded as outdated now fetch impressive sums at auction houses from Indianapolis to South Bend.

Authentic Eames chairs and Knoll tables have tripled in value over the past decade. The clean lines and functional aesthetics resonate with contemporary decorating trends, making these pieces both usable art and sound investments.