Find the Hidden 'Cash' in Your Attic

The recession may have cost you a job or put your retirement plans on hold, but there may be a gold mine in your attic.

Online resellers such as eBay(Stock Quote: EBAY) turned second-hand chic into a multi-billion dollar industry 12 years ago but, the resale revolution is not only on the Internet. More than 2 million people a year show up for signature collector’s events such as the Brimfield Antique and Flea Market Show, in Brimfield, Mass., where buyers and sellers trade vintage clothes, comic books and more.

“This place turns into ‘Tent City’ in the summer,” says William Simonic, a spokesman for the Brimfield show. “You can see people selling art, glass, lamps and period furniture all the way down Route 20.”

HOW MUCH MONEY ARE WE TALKING?
There are an estimated 200 million “collectors” in the US today according to the National Association of Collecting Clubs. This number includes professional dealers and regular people who collect antique coins, stamps, dolls and even cars as a hobby.  As you can imagine, the price tags can get large.

Here is a short list of some top sellers:

Item: A mint-condition issue of Amazing Fantasy #15, introducing Spider Man
Price: $227,000

Item: A pair of Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls from the 1930’s
Price: $151,537

Item: The Honus Wagner T206 Baseball Card
Price: $2,800

TIME TO CHECK THAT CLOSET
If you’ve been living in a home for a few years, chances are that you’ve stashed quite a few clothes, old toys and maybe even a family heirloom or two in the attic. However, just because you have something old around the house doesn’t mean always mean that you’ll make money selling it.