Ways to Make Money from Unneeded Things

Contents:

• Porcelain and tableware
• Precious metals and their products: silver in focus
• Coins
• Games and toys
• Household items
• Paper materials: documents, propaganda materials and products
• Cosmetics of the USSR
• Factors determining the cost of goods
• Where and how to sell
• Key aspects of trade Soviet artifacts in three points

Don't rush to get rid of old things that may be gathering dust in your home. There's a chance that some of these items could fetch a significant profit when sold. Both older collectors and the younger generation, nostalgic for a time they didn't have the opportunity to live in, are interested in the aesthetics and artifacts of the Soviet era.

In this article, the editorial team of "Dengi" will share with you recommendations on what to pay attention to before deciding to part with your things. Let's consider which groups of items can bring significant profit when sold:

• porcelain and tableware;
• silverware and metal objects;
• coins;
• games and toys;
• household items;
• paper materials, advertising leaflets, paper products;
• cosmetics of the USSR.

We also discuss the factors that determine the cost of goods, as well as the places and methods of their sale.

Porcelain and tableware

In the Soviet Union, earthenware was perceived as ordinary, everyday, and had no particular value. On the contrary, porcelain sets were considered "ceremonial" items: they were stored behind glass, carefully protected and used only on special occasions. Such sets were quite rare and scarce.

Many factories were engaged in the production of porcelain services, but among collectors the most valuable items are those made in large factories.

• LFZ is the Leningrad Porcelain Factory, named in honor of Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov.
• DFZ stands for the Dulevo Porcelain Factory.
• DFZ Verbilki is an enterprise known as the Dmitrovsky Porcelain Factory, located in Verbilki.
• "Gzhel" is a product of the Gzhel porcelain factory.
• ZIK "Konakovo" is the Konakovo Faience Factory, better known as the Kalinin Factory.

In order to determine which factory made the tableware, it is necessary to find the stamp, which is usually located on the bottom of the cup or saucer. You can compare images of hallmarks on specialized websites and forums, such as this resource.

Prices for porcelain are influenced by various factors, such as the uniqueness of the set, its completeness, the overall condition of the tableware, and the presence of original painting. For example, the price of a single tea set can range from 200 rubles to several thousand rubles for a rare and well-preserved piece.

A complete tea set can be valued much higher. Sets with symbols, issued to commemorate significant events or dates, are highly sought after by collectors. For example, the "Olympics-80" coffee set from the Verbilki factory is listed for 40,000 rubles at the "Meshok" auction.

Propaganda items, which are porcelain dishes with Soviet-era symbols such as the hammer and sickle, as well as images of workers, collective farmers, memorable dates, and factories, are of significant interest among buyers.

Designer-made items are also in high demand. For example, the Monetnik.ru online store offers a pour-over teapot from the "Golden Deer" collection, produced at the Dulevo Porcelain Factory. This teapot is decorated with hand painting by master P. V. Leonov and costs 34 thousand rubles.

Precious Metals and Their Products: Silver in Focus

The Soviet Union produced a variety of everyday tableware from metals such as aluminum, copper, steel, and enameled cast iron, as well as from various alloys, including brass, stainless steel, and cupronickel. These items generally attract little collectors' interest.

Titanium cutlery was quite rare—it was made primarily for military use, space missions, and tourism. These items were not widely used, which explains their high cost. For example, a titanium camp spoon can be found at one online auction, priced at 1,641 rubles.

Collectors particularly value tableware intended for holidays, gifts, and campaign events. It was made of silver or its alloys—most often cupronickel—with silver or gold plating, and also decorated with colored enamel. Brand and hallmarks are also important factors influencing price, as products from the Kubachi Art Factory and the Tallinn Jewelry Factory were popular not only within the Soviet Union but also beyond its borders.

KHC products, including shot glasses, goblets, coasters, and cutlery, were created from sterling silver using a special blackening technology. The high price of such items is due both to the quality of the material and their unique design. For example, at the auction "Meshok" a silver candy bowl from KKhK is put up for sale with a starting price of 21 thousand rubles.

The jewelry factory in Tallinn produced silver dinnerware sets, as well as various interior decorations, jewelry, orders, and insignia. Cutlery made of silver or nickel silver plated with silver and gold was especially in demand. Dessert and children's spoons with enamel patterns are still found in kitchens in many post-Soviet countries.

Sets sold in original packaging are more valuable than individual items. The condition of the cutlery also directly affects their value: the better they are preserved, the higher the price. For example, a set of six coffee spoons can cost upwards of 9,000 rubles.

Pawning items such as precious scrap is not a wise decision. The appraisal is based solely on the weight and fineness of the metal, without regard for their collectible value. As of August 8, 2025, the price of one gram of pure silver, according to the Central Bank of Russia exchange rate, was 96.41 rubles. Therefore, even under the most favorable conditions, the spoons mentioned in the example would fetch no more than 7,500 rubles. However, in a pawnshop, the purchase price will most likely be even lower, and in fact, you can get only 4-5 thousand rubles, which is half as much as you could earn at an auction.

Also highly valued are items created using the unique jewelry technique of filigree, which involves fine metal threads that seem to be "woven" into a single whole. This technique was used to create various items, such as brooches, cigarette cases, glass holders, boxes, writing sets, and a number of other accessories.

"Kazakov filigree," a product of the Kazakov Art Products Factory, known as Kazakovo, KHI, has earned a high reputation. For example, a cigarette case made at this factory can be sold at a price starting from 9 thousand rubles.

Metal coasters occupy a unique position in the world of collecting. They attract the attention of not only antique dealers, but also many other buyers, as they are a striking symbol of the Soviet era. There are special online resources and stores dedicated entirely to these items, such as podstakanoff.net and podstakanik.ru.

Coast holders that were released in limited editions or with propaganda images can be valued at several thousand rubles. For example, a coaster with the name "Soviet Space", made at the Kolchugino plant, can reach a price of 4,000 rubles when sold.

Coins

Coin collecting continues to be a popular hobby. In many homes, you can stumble upon Soviet coins. For this purpose, it is recommended to look into old piggy banks or lotto sets—changeable coins were often used as game chips.

In the world of professional numismatics, special attention is paid to coins that were issued in limited quantities or possess unique features, such as imperfections during the minting process. Also of considerable interest are coins dating back to the early years of the Soviet period, as well as those depicting famous figures or memorable events.

For example, a one-ruble coin, issued in 1979 as part of the "Olympics-1980" series and featuring the obelisk "To the Conquerors of Space," has a price starting at 5,000 rubles. As for the 2-kopeck coin issued in 1927, its price can vary from 19,000 to 200,000 rubles, depending on its condition.

In our article on rare coins, you'll find comprehensive information on how to evaluate both the value and cost of coins. We'll tell you which ones are worth selling and which are best saved for later. You'll also learn where to find and purchase such coins, how to verify their authenticity, how to properly store them, and how to sell them profitably.

Games and Toys

Christmas tree ornaments, like high-quality porcelain, were in short supply on the market. Sets of hand-made and painted glass figurines were typically stored in their original packaging or wrapped in soft fabrics and cotton wool. However, due to their fragility, such items were still often damaged. Therefore, sets of toys or individual pieces preserved in perfect condition can be sold at a high price.

Children's toys, board games, and models can also have significant collectible value. For example, a mechanical "Behind the Wheel" toy can cost around 16,000 rubles, while a souvenir model of a Moskvich-412 car is valued at around 10,000 rubles.

Demand for dolls also exists: the price of such toys can range from 500 rubles to 200,000–300,000 rubles, depending on their rarity and condition.

There's a real boom among fans of children's pedal cars. These toys are purchased in a wide variety of conditions, and many owners meticulously restore them. The cost of the body alone can range from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles, while the frame will cost around 4,000. A fully assembled car in good condition can be found on the Avito platform for between 30,000 and 40,000 rubles.

Household Items

Not only collectors and designers who are engaged in restoration are interested in a variety of household appliances and furniture. They are also actively acquired by theaters, film studios, hotels, and cafes seeking to recreate the atmosphere of a particular historical period. Among the most sought-after items are cameras, radios and radiograms, as well as televisions, vinyl record players, and vinyl discs themselves.

For example, a KVN-49 television model, released in 1955 and without a lens, costs 55 thousand rubles. At the same time, its 1952 version, presented in a complete set, is estimated at 178 thousand rubles.

Connoisseurs of "tube" sound highly value vinyl record players. Common models typically cost between 2,000 and 5,000 rubles, while rare examples in excellent condition can reach a price tag of 40,000–50,000 rubles. For example, the Korvet EP-003 turntable was considered one of the best in the Soviet Union, and now it can be seen on the market for about 50 thousand rubles.

Music lovers and collectors show significant interest in vinyl records. The price of such records is largely determined by their rarity, condition, presence of original packaging and other characteristics. For example, a near-mint record with the album "Le Vol Arreté" by Vladimir Vysotsky, released in 1981, is valued at 30 thousand rubles on the Dom Vinyl platform. At the same time, the same album is offered on Avito for 220 thousand rubles, since the packaging remains unopened.

Paper materials: documents, propaganda materials and products

Documents related to the Soviet era are of interest to collectors. For example, among them you can find party and military cards, as well as their covers. A Soviet warrant officer's military ID card is up for sale on the Avito platform for 1,500 rubles.

Documents related to equipment, such as TV user manuals or vehicle inspection certificates, are also sold separately.

Original posters, especially those related to propaganda or significant events, are of great value.

In addition, it is possible to sell old postcards. However, truly valuable examples are quite rare.

Usually the price of postcards varies from a few rubles to several hundred per item. The most valuable postcards are those in perfect condition: without signatures, stains and folds, as well as complete sets. The exception is postcards with celebrity autographs, which can significantly increase their value.

Cosmetics of the USSR.

One One interesting area of ​​collecting is cosmetics from the Soviet era. Online markets and auction sites offer both unopened and used cosmetic packaging. Empty bottles of famous perfumes, as well as packaging for powder, eyeshadow, mascara, and other similar items, are also available for sale.

Prices for lots vary significantly - from a few rubles for a bar of soap to thousands of rubles for a bottle of perfume. For example, a fresh package of Gvozdika powder from the Novaya Zarya factory, presented in an antique shop, is valued at 3.5 thousand rubles.

The popularity and shortage of foreign brands has generated interest, for example, in cosmetics from the Polish brand Pollena or gold powder from Lancome.

Factors Determining the Value of Goods

Each group of items mentioned earlier has its own specific parameters for assessing value. However, there are also common elements that influence this assessment:

• Uniqueness and history play a key role in the value of items with proven provenance. For example, an item that once belonged to a famous person will have a higher value compared to a similar object that does not have such history.
• The condition of the item, including cracks, chips, and abrasions, significantly negatively affects its value. At the same time, if an item is in good condition and comes with the original packaging and documentation, this can increase its price. Engravings and dedications generally reduce the value, except when they relate to items associated with famous figures.
• For collectibles, manufacturer's markings play a significant role.
• The market experiences fluctuations in demand for certain products, which can occur both periodically and in response to various events. For example, in recent years, there has been an increase in interest in cosmetics, which is associated with the popularization of the vintage style. Furthermore, items related to military themes often become more expensive around memorable dates, such as Victory Day anniversaries.

To understand the value of an item, it is worth examining offers for similar items at various auctions. If you suspect an item is of significant value, it would be wise to consult with an appraiser—these experts can be found in antique shops.

Where and How to Sell

There are two main methods for selling valuable items: online and in person. Let's take a closer look at each option.

The internet offers a huge number of auctions and forums dedicated to selling items. Some of them are highly specialized, such as the website Monetnik.ru, which is entirely dedicated to numismatics and coin trading. At the same time, there are more versatile platforms, such as "Meshok," where you can sell a variety of collectibles—from toys and tableware to postcards, badges, and documents.

Furthermore, many people trade rare items on popular classifieds platforms such as Avito and Yula.

In large cities, there are clubs for collectors that are easily found online. These communities are active on social media, instant messaging apps, and specialized forums. Members of such clubs can directly offer their collections to other participants. Moreover, meetings organized by clubs are often engaging and educational—they offer practical advice, share experiences, and even find a potential buyer.

It's also worth visiting a local flea market or yard sale. You can find a variety of vintage and used items there, and buyers often include antique dealers and collectors looking for unique pieces for their collections.

Before listing an item for sale, it is necessary to carefully prepare it. Make sure the item bears the manufacturer's stamp or markings. If possible, try to find any documents or packaging that came with it. Then take high-quality photographs—this is especially important if you plan to sell the item online or send images to an appraiser.

Key Aspects of Trading Soviet Artifacts in Three Points

• Porcelain, silverware, and other metal items, rare coins, and toys can fetch high prices. However, there is also interest in many other goods, such as electronics, household items, books, and cosmetics.
• The price of items is determined by several factors, including their uniqueness, brand or mark, the history of the item, its current condition, the presence of original packaging and accompanying documents, and the level of interest from collectors in the market.
• List your items on specialized auctions, classifieds platforms, collector forums, antique shops, or flea markets to attract potential buyers. Before selling, carefully study the hallmarks, take detailed photographs of the item, and analyze prices of similar items.

Additional resources from Skillbox Media on methods for managing and increasing personal finances.

• Unit Economics and Cash Flow in Everyday Life: Managing Personal Finances Like an Experienced CFO.
• There are many ways to generate passive income. Here are seven approaches that can help you do this:

  1. Investing in stocks. Buying company shares provides the opportunity to receive dividends, which is a form of passive income.

  2. Real estate. Owning rental properties allows you to earn money from monthly payments from tenants, which provides a stable income.

  3. Bonds. Investing in bonds provides a chance to receive regular interest payments, which is also a passive income source.

  4. Creating online courses. If you have expertise in a specific field, you can develop a course and sell it, generating income from sales without the need for constant involvement.

  5. Publishing books. Writing and publishing a book can become a source of royalties, which is also an example of passive income.

  6. Long-term investing in index funds. This allows you to earn income in the form of capital gains and dividends, which requires minimal intervention.

  7. Creating a blog or YouTube channel. After creating content, you can earn money through advertising and affiliate programs, providing income with minimal effort.

  These methods can significantly diversify your cash flow and provide a stable income over time.

• How to recognize scam calls and what measures to take to protect yourself from telephone scams?
• What investment opportunities will be relevant in 2025 if you plan to invest for one, five, or ten years?
• Finding a temporary job for a teenager during the holidays and beyond can be a great opportunity to gain experience and earn money. Here are some tips to help in this process.

  First of all, it is worth determining what skills and interests you have. This will help you focus on the vacancies that are most suitable for you. For example, if you are interested in sports, you can consider working in sports clubs or gyms. If you enjoy working with children, consider tutoring or nannying.

  Remember that many employers value initiative and a desire to learn. Therefore, it's worth being proactive: you can send your resume to various companies, even if they don't have any open positions. It's also a good idea to use social media, where job postings are often posted, especially for young people.

  Contact your friends and family. Perhaps one of them can recommend a suitable job or even hire you for a temporary position. Personal connections can play a crucial role in finding a job.

  Also, don't forget about online platforms where job postings for teenagers are posted. These can be both specialized sites and general resources. It's important to carefully read the terms and conditions of employment and candidate requirements.

  You could also consider volunteering. This will not only help you gain new experience but also expand your network, which could eventually lead to employment.

  Finally, be prepared for the fact that your first job may not be perfect. What matters is the experience you gain and the skills you can develop. With each new step, you'll be closer to your goal.