This article was originally published on Lizanest.com

Many of us stash away baseball cards or vintage tees, hoping they’ll one day pay for a mansion or at least a fancy vacation. But not everything old is gold. The trick is knowing what’s worth something—and what’s just collecting dust. This guide is your reality check, cutting through the clutter and fantasy to help spot real treasures hiding in plain sight. Time to turn those attic dreams into smarter decisions and maybe even some cash!

#1: Signed Sports Memorabilia

Imagine standing in the bleachers in 1960, wide-eyed as Yogi Berra signs your baseball—what a moment! If only you had a photo, a ticket stub, something to prove it happened. Without solid proof, that cherished ball might be a clever fake or one of thousands mass-produced.

Authentic autographs can sell for thousands, but here’s the catch: it all comes down to verification. In collectibles, a great story isn’t enough—what matters is documentation and rock-solid authenticity.