The first-generation iPhone, released in 2007, is now being traded for well over 20 million won, reflecting the growth of the collectibles market in the United States. On October 14 (local time), the New York Post reported that old items are being sold for astronomical prices in the US collectibles market.
A prime example is the first-generation iPhone released in 2007. Adam Koprutski, founder of the investment platform Real World Investor, advised, "Search your drawers and storage for iPhones, game consoles, books, and check what they are worth now." He added, "Many people throw away items that could be worth enough to fund their retirement within a few years," and noted, "By 2030, the things in your home could be more valuable than stocks."
The first iPhone from 2007 breaks auction price of $20,000 Unopened products traded for over 200 million won Star Wars figures and Pokemon cards also sold at high prices Rare items like first edition Harry Potter books attracting investment Experts say "Home treasures now more valuable than stocks" "Items in storage or drawers could become retirement funds" US collectibles market expected to approach 120 trillion won by 2030
The first-generation iPhone was originally priced at $499 (about 710,000 won) at launch, but unopened models are now being sold at auction for over $20,000 (about 28.53 million won). Koprutski predicted that by 2030, the value of a first-generation iPhone could exceed $50,000 (about 71.33 million won). In fact, in a 2023 auction, a first-generation 8GB iPhone sold for $63,556 (about 90.38 million won).
The extremely rare first-generation 4GB iPhone, Apple’s very first smartphone, was sold for an astonishing $190,373 (about 271.57 million won). Koprutski pointed out, "Many people don’t realize that Star Wars figures and Pokemon cards they played with as children could now cover a home deposit," and explained, "Items in their original packaging fetch the highest prices, but even those that look like new can be sold for significant amounts."
He also cited first edition Harry Potter books, Nintendo game consoles from the 1980s and 1990s, and Super Mario game consoles as examples. According to market research firm Grand View Research, the US collectibles market was valued at $62 billion (about 88.44 trillion won) last year and is expected to grow to $83.7 billion (about 119.4 trillion won) by 2030.
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