Latest news with #Homeprotect
Daily Mirror
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Check your attic for rare £43k item as UK homeowner strikes gold
A UK resident was left stunned when they found the rare first edition copy while clearing out their house A fortunate Brit found themselves £43,000 richer after unearthing an extremely rare first-edition copy of The Hobbit, discovered during a routine house clearance. The 1937 work by J R R Tolkien was spotted nestled deep within an old bookcase in a Bristol home, as one of only 1,500 copies initially printed in September 1937. The rare book was expected to fetch 10K but sold for £43,000 at auction after hundreds of bidders had signed up from all over the world. The lucky bidder was a private collector based in the UK. Besides The Hobbit, there are numerous other books that could fetch thousands of pounds. With this in mind, people are being encouraged to rummage through their attics and bookcases for any nostalgic hidden gems that could bring in a tidy sum. The team at home insurance company Homeprotect conducted research to identify the most valuable first-edition listings of classic children's books. If sold, they could provide a financial boost amid the cost-of-living crisis. Jane Austen's beloved classic, Pride and Prejudice, has been crowned the most valuable literary hidden treasure, with first edition copies fetching up to £139,356. Originally published in 1813 for a mere 18 shillings (around £52 in today's money), the book's value has skyrocketed by 267,892 per cent, reports Bristol Live. This romantic tale remains Austen's most popular work, selling over 20 million copies worldwide, accounting for over two-thirds of her total book sales. Trailing just under £100,000 behind Pride and Prejudice is the classic adventure novel Robinson Crusoe by 18th-century author Daniel Defoe. Hailed as 'the first English novel,' it was initially published in 1719 for an estimated five shillings (£36.89 in 2023) - marking a staggering 106,219 per cent price increase over two centuries. Robinson Crusoe holds a significant place in literary history due to its realist writing style. It not only inspired Charles Dickens but also birthed the Robinsonade literary genre. J R R Tolkien's The Hobbit, recognised as the Book of the 20th Century, ranks third in terms of value, with first editions averaging at £27,174. When it was first published in 1937, only 1500 copies were released, each sold for roughly £17.81 (adjusted for inflation), representing an increase of 142,329 per cent. The fourth and fifth most prized first editions are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, with first edition listings averaging at £20,381 and £18,735, respectively. Carroll's whimsical story has sold roughly 100 million copies since its debut in 1865, and its initial price of four shillings is now worth about £16.54 today, a whopping 123,126 per cent increase. Dickens' festive tale sold out just a week after it hit the shelves in 1843. Its five-shilling value is now equivalent to nearly £19.08 (a staggering 98,093.9 per cent increase in value). Rounding off the top 10 most valuable first-edition children's books are The Velveteen Rabbit at £16,953, Swallows and Amazons at £15,133, The Diary of a Young Girl at £13,353, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea at £12,383, and finally, Grimm's Fairy Tales, recently listed for £10,008. You can view the full study here. David Joyson, Chief Customer Officer at Homeprotect, commented on the findings, saying: "It's astounding to see how much the value of these novels has soared, and during challenging financial times, it might encourage many of us to rummage through our garages, lofts, and storage units for hidden gems that could be worth far more than anticipated. "First edition books are a highly collectable and often overlooked and underestimated item of value, so before you give away or donate your old children's books, do your research to ensure you aren't throwing away a small fortune! If you have any of these valuable items lying around your home, or if you come across an item you think may have a high value, get them professionally valued, so you know if they are worth insuring and to avoid underinsuring. "Rare or antique books may be covered by your contents insurance, but it's always worth checking the specific policy terms with your insurer and to confirm that you have an adequate amount of contents cover."
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
10 most valuable items hidden in attics which could be worth a small fortune
Old coins, stamps and jewellery hiding in your attic could be worth up to £20,000. One in five people across the UK admit to struggling when it comes to decluttering due to sentimental attachment to items and 26 per cent of homeowners are clueless about what is tucked away in their loft space. However, years of collecting could have turned their attic into something of a treasure trove, with the top 10 items worth serious money on popular selling platforms such as eBay. Specialist home insurer Homeprotect analysed eBay's sold listing data for common household objects which are probably sitting in a corner gathering dust which items hold the most value. The found coins and stamp collections are the most sought after items that carry the biggest cash boost, particularly rare 50p coins. Rare 50p coins can sell for an average price of £11,670 on eBay, with some such as the Benjamin Bunny 50p recently selling after being listed for a whopping £20,000. If you're looking to cash in on some rare coins, now would be a good time, as searches for 'rare 50p coins' have gone through the roof in recent months, with 49,500 average monthly searches on Google - a 123 per cent increase year-on-year and 49 per cent in the last three months alone. Vintage jewellery is the second most valuable category, with engagement rings piquing the interest of 9,900 people per month in the UK on Google search, fetching an average of £7,277 on the online marketplace. A Platinum Blue Sapphire No Heat Sri Lanka 18K Diamond Ring is the most expensive ring found in our study, sold recently for nearly £18K on eBay. Tiffany and Co. rings also pick up a tidy sum at auction on resale sites, with one selling for just over £4,000. It's worth bearing in mind that securing a high price for vintage jewellery generally depends on the item's condition and whether it comes in its original packaging. Antique furniture is the third most valuable find, with an average of £6,485 made from relevant eBay sales. Specific designers are particularly well sought-after, with a set of four chairs from Danish designer Borge Mogenson selling for £8,000, a single wardrobe by Robert 'Mouseman' for nearly £6,000, and a set of two armchairs for £5,500. Furniture from certain eras also fetch a pretty penny, specifically 18th-century furniture. A Boulle-style dining set sold for £8,000, while a mahogany breakfront bookcase went for nearly £5,000 earlier this year. In fourth place, vinyl records, specifically 1960s vinyl, are selling for nearly £4,000 on average. Most valuable items selling on eBay Coins and stamp collections - £11,669.18 Vintage jewellery - £7,277.21 Antique furniture - £6,485.40 Vinyl records - £3,931.52 Clocks - £2,671.42 Ceramic figures - £2,006.87 Lamps - £1,867.40 Paintings/prints and posters - £1,829.99 War memorabilia - £1,554.34 Recent big-money sales include a promo copy of The Velvet Yellow Underground & Nico featuring iconic art from Andy Warhol which sold for £6,747, the Beatles Please Please Me stereo first gold label vinyl for just over £4,000, and a promo copy of Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde album for just over £3,000. Promo releases (copies of albums or singles distributed for free by record companies before release) tend to do well - with experts suggesting they generally sell for 50 per cent more than a standard pressing, minimum. Clocks are the fifth most valuable item you can find in the attic. Grandfather clocks garner 12,100 Google searches on average per month and sell for a tidy sum of £2,671. It seems the older the better when selling old clocks on the online marketplace, and hand-carved ones do well, too. An Art Nouveau Italian Baroque grandfather clock carved with cherubs sold for above the average price of a clock in its category at nearly £4,000, as did a red lacquer longcase clock by Thomas Bell London which went for £3,450. Completing the top 10 most valuable items you might find in your elderly relative's attic are porcelain dolls (£2,006), vintage lamps (£1,867), vintage posters (£1,829) and WW1 medals (£1,554). Commenting on the findings, David Joyson, Chief Customer Office at Homeprotect, said: 'It's incredible how much value can be hidden in everyday items that may have been gathering dust in an old cupboard, garage or attic – with some now selling for thousands on sites like eBay. 'If you, or an elderly relative have items like these lying around, or if you come across an item you think may have a high value, it's worth getting them professionally valued, so you can check that you have the right insurance – many insurers will ask you to specify an individual item on your policy – at Homeprotect that's the case if an item is worth more than £1,500. Not doing this may mean that it wouldn't be covered if you needed to make a claim. 'If you have financial power of attorney for an elderly relative and/or have been named as an executor for their will, in the event of their death it is worth auditing and valuing items, to ensure you have a complete list of their assets and to understand the value, whether you intend to keep any treasured items or if you are considering selling anything in the future once the probate process is complete.'
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
The 5 forgotten items hiding in your attic that could be worth £11,000 including unwanted family junk sitting in a box
WHETHER it's a mega pile of books, your kids' toys or random bits and bobs, your attic is likely full of items that you don't use anymore. If you've spent decades chucking stuff in cardboard boxes rather than throwing it away or donating it, you might've been building a gold mine valuable items without knowing it. 3 You could be sitting on a gold mine without even knowing it Credit: Getty 3 Some of the old items in your attic could be worth more than a whopping £11,000 Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 As well as vintage jewellery, it's worth checking if you have any antique clocks hiding in the old junk box Credit: Getty From rare coins to old furniture, a new study has revealed five often-forgotten items in your storage that could actually make you a small fortune. So, if you're looking to monetise your next clearout, here are some of the goodies to look out for. Rare coins – £11,670 Before you exchange that jar of spare change, make sure you go through it - this is because you very well may find special coins that collectors would be willing to pay a pretty penny for. Rare 50ps are particularly valuable. According to research from home insurer Homeprotect, they go for an average price of £11,670 on eBay. In fact, one Benjamin Bunny 50p was recently listed for £20,000 – £19,999.50 more than its legal tender was worth. Earlier this year, a particularly rare version of a Beatrix Potter 50p coin went up for an eye-watering £25,086.72. A coin's condition – and whether it has any errors – can increase its value, so when the original owner realised that there was a a bit of metal poking out of Peter Rabbit's foot, they realised they could be onto something, Metro reported. Vintage jewellery – £7,277 Whether it's a ring or a necklace, many choose to hold onto inherited or vintage jewellery for its sentimental value. However, if it's something that's just gathering dust, it could be time to let go - especially as true vintage pieces tend to fetch a whopping £7,277 on average. One particularly pricey piece – a Platinum Blue Sapphire No Heat Sri Lanka 18K Diamond Ring – recently sold for an astronomical £18,000. Spot a Rare £1 Coin Worth Up to £500: The Key Details Every Collector Should Know Rings from Tiffany and Co. also tend to pick up a decent sum at auction, with one previously raking the owner in just over £4,000. Antique furniture – £6,485 Sure, it's unlikely you have forgotten about some larger pieces of furniture – but you may not know what you have, and there's pretty good money in antique pieces if you're willing to do some research. Mid-century designers are highly sought after amongst collectors, with one set of four chairs from Borge Mogenson cashing out £8,000, while a Robert Mouseman wardrobe raked in close to £6,000. Works from earlier eras are also just as valuable, with 18th-century furniture being a firm favourite. At the start of 2025, one Boulle-style dining set fetched £8,000, and a fabulous mahogany bookcase took home almost £5,000. How to spot valuable items COMMENTS by Consumer Editor, Alice Grahns: It's easy to check if items in your attic are valuable. As a first step, go on eBay to check what other similar pieces, if not the same, have sold for recently. Simply search for your item, filter by 'sold listings' and toggle by the highest value. This will give you an idea of how much others are willing to pay for it. The method can be used for everything ranging from rare coins and notes to stamps, old toys, books and vinyl records - just to mention a few examples. For coins, online tools from change experts like Coin Hunter are also helpful to see how much it could be worth. Plus, you can refer to Change Checker's latest scarcity index update to see which coins are topping the charts. For especially valuable items, you may want to enlist the help of experts or auction houses. Do your research first though and be aware of any fees for evaluating your stuff. As a rule of thumb, rarity and condition are key factors in determining the value of any item. You're never guaranteed to make a mint, however. Clocks – £2,671 Before smartphones took over, most homes had an actual clock to tell the time with – and millions of us still remember the sound of its ticking. As a general rule, the older the clock, the bigger the profit – but on average, antique timepieces make a sum of around £2,671. A unique look or prestigious maker helps too: one Art Nouveau Italian Baroque grandfather clock recently went for nearly £4,000, while a red lacquer longcase clock from Thomas Bell London took home more than its contemporaries at £3,450. Vinyl records – £4,000 Are you a huge fan of music and are hoarding old vinyl up in the attic? You could be sitting on a rare piece of history without even being aware of it. It's no secret that original pressings from big bands such as The Beatles are worth huge sums of cash, with one gold label vinyl copy of Please Please Me fetching more than £4,000. That's not all though. The Velvet Underground & Nico's iconic collaboration – featuring a yellow banana on the cover designed by the late artist and film director Andy Warhol – sold for £6,747, and a rare promo copy of Bob Dylan's 1966 double album Blonde on Blonde went for just over £3,000. Released by record companies before the rest of the world has access to them, promo copies are seen as particularly valuable – and they typically go for 50% more than a standard pressing.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
The 5 forgotten items hiding in your attic that could be worth £11,000 including unwanted family junk sitting in a box
WHETHER it's a mega pile of books, your kids' toys or random bits and bobs, your attic is likely full of items that you don't use anymore. If you've spent decades chucking stuff in cardboard boxes rather than throwing it away or donating it, you might've been building a gold mine valuable items without knowing it. 3 3 3 From rare coins to old furniture, a new study has revealed five often-forgotten items in your storage that could actually make you a small fortune. So, if you're looking to monetise your next clearout, here are some of the goodies to look out for. Rare coins – £11,670 Before you exchange that jar of spare change, make sure you go through it - this is because you very well may find special coins that collectors would be willing to pay a pretty penny for. Rare 50ps are particularly valuable. According to research from home insurer Homeprotect, they go for an average price of £11,670 on eBay. In fact, one Benjamin Bunny 50p was recently listed for £20,000 – £19,999.50 more than its legal tender was worth. Earlier this year, a particularly rare version of a Beatrix Potter 50p coin went up for an eye-watering £25,086.72. A coin's condition – and whether it has any errors – can increase its value, so when the original owner realised that there was a a bit of metal poking out of Peter Rabbit's foot, they realised they could be onto something, Metro reported. Vintage jewellery – £7,277 Whether it's a ring or a necklace, many choose to hold onto inherited or vintage jewellery for its sentimental value. However, if it's something that's just gathering dust, it could be time to let go - especially as true vintage pieces tend to fetch a whopping £7,277 on average. One particularly pricey piece – a Platinum Blue Sapphire No Heat Sri Lanka 18K Diamond Ring – recently sold for an astronomical £18,000. Spot a Rare £1 Coin Worth Up to £500: The Key Details Every Collector Should Know Rings from Tiffany and Co. also tend to pick up a decent sum at auction, with one previously raking the owner in just over £4,000. Antique furniture – £6,485 Sure, it's unlikely you have forgotten about some larger pieces of furniture – but you may not know what you have, and there's pretty good money in antique pieces if you're willing to do some research. Mid-century designers are highly sought after amongst collectors, with one set of four chairs from Borge Mogenson cashing out £8,000, while a Robert Mouseman wardrobe raked in close to £6,000. Works from earlier eras are also just as valuable, with 18th-century furniture being a firm favourite. At the start of 2025, one Boulle-style dining set fetched £8,000, and a fabulous mahogany bookcase took home almost £5,000. How to spot valuable items COMMENTS by Consumer Editor, Alice Grahns: It's easy to check if items in your attic are valuable. As a first step, go on eBay to check what other similar pieces, if not the same, have sold for recently. Simply search for your item, filter by 'sold listings' and toggle by the highest value. This will give you an idea of how much others are willing to pay for it. The method can be used for everything ranging from rare coins and notes to stamps, old toys, books and vinyl records - just to mention a few examples. For coins, online tools from change experts like Coin Hunter are also helpful to see how much it could be worth. Plus, you can refer to Change Checker's latest scarcity index update to see which coins are topping the charts. For especially valuable items, you may want to enlist the help of experts or auction houses. Do your research first though and be aware of any fees for evaluating your stuff. As a rule of thumb, rarity and condition are key factors in determining the value of any item. You're never guaranteed to make a mint, however. Clocks – £2,671 Before smartphones took over, most homes had an actual clock to tell the time with – and millions of us still remember the sound of its ticking. As a general rule, the older the clock, the bigger the profit – but on average, antique timepieces make a sum of around £2,671. A unique look or prestigious maker helps too: one Art Nouveau Italian Baroque grandfather clock recently went for nearly £4,000, while a red lacquer longcase clock from Thomas Bell London took home more than its contemporaries at £3,450. Vinyl records – £4,000 Are you a huge fan of music and are hoarding old vinyl up in the attic? You could be sitting on a rare piece of history without even being aware of it. It's no secret that original pressings from big bands such as The Beatles are worth huge sums of cash, with one gold label vinyl copy of Please Please Me fetching more than £4,000. That's not all though. The Velvet Underground & Nico's iconic collaboration – featuring a yellow banana on the cover designed by the late artist and film director Andy Warhol – sold for £6,747, and a rare promo copy of Bob Dylan 's 1966 double album Blonde on Blonde went for just over £3,000. Released by record companies before the rest of the world has access to them, promo copies are seen as particularly valuable – and they typically go for 50% more than a standard pressing.
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
The 5 forgotten items hiding in your attic that could be worth £11,000 including unwanted family junk sitting in a box
WHETHER it's a mega pile of books, your kids' toys or random bits and bobs, your attic is likely full of items that you don't use anymore. If you've spent decades chucking stuff in cardboard boxes rather than throwing it away or donating it, you might've been building a gold mine valuable items without knowing it. 3 You could be sitting on a gold mine without even knowing it Credit: Getty 3 Some of the old items in your attic could be worth more than a whopping £11,000 Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 As well as vintage jewellery, it's worth checking if you have any antique clocks hiding in the old junk box Credit: Getty From rare coins to old furniture, a new study has revealed five often-forgotten items in your storage that could actually make you a small fortune. So, if you're looking to monetise Rare coins – £11,670 Before you exchange that jar of spare change, make sure you go through it - this is because you very well may find special coins that collectors would be willing to pay a pretty penny for. Rare 50ps are particularly valuable. According to research from home insurer Homeprotect, they go for an average price of £11,670 on eBay. read more on money In fact, one Benjamin Bunny 50p was recently listed for £20,000 – £19,999.50 more than its legal tender was worth. Earlier this year, a particularly rare version of a Beatrix Potter 50p coin went up for an eye-watering £25,086.72. A coin's condition – and whether it has any errors – can increase its value, so when the original owner realised that there was a a bit of metal poking out of Peter Rabbit's foot, they realised they could be onto something, Vintage jewellery – £7,277 Whether it's a ring or a necklace, many choose to hold onto inherited or vintage jewellery for its sentimental value. Most read in Fabulous However, if it's something that's just gathering dust, it could be time to let go - especially as true vintage pieces tend to fetch a whopping £7,277 on average. One particularly pricey piece – a Platinum Blue Sapphire No Heat Sri Lanka 18K Diamond Ring – recently sold for an astronomical £18,000. Spot a Rare £1 Coin Worth Up to £500: The Key Details Every Collector Should Know Rings from Tiffany and Co. also tend to pick up a decent sum at auction, with one previously raking the owner in just over £4,000. Antique furniture – £6,485 Sure, it's unlikely you have forgotten about some larger pieces of what you have, and there's pretty good money in antique pieces if you're willing to do some research. Mid-century designers are highly sought after amongst collectors, with one set of four chairs from Borge Mogenson cashing out £8,000, while a Robert Mouseman wardrobe raked in close to £6,000. Works from earlier eras are also just as valuable, with 18th-century furniture being a firm favourite. At the start of 2025, one Boulle-style dining set fetched £8,000, and a fabulous mahogany bookcase took home almost £5,000. How to spot valuable items COMMENTS by Consumer Editor, It's easy to check if items in your attic are valuable. As a first step, go on eBay to check what other similar pieces, if not the same, have sold for recently. Simply search for your item, filter by 'sold listings' and toggle by the highest value. This will give you an idea of how much others are willing to pay for it. The method can be used for everything ranging from rare coins and notes to stamps, old toys, books and vinyl records - just to mention a few examples. For coins, online tools from change experts like Coin Hunter are also helpful to see how much it could be worth. Plus, you can refer to Change Checker's latest scarcity index update to see which coins are topping the charts. For especially valuable items, you may want to enlist the help of experts or auction houses. Do your research first though and be aware of any fees for evaluating your stuff. As a rule of thumb, rarity and condition are key factors in determining the value of any item. You're never guaranteed to make a mint, however. Clocks – £2,671 Before As a general rule, the older the clock, the bigger the profit – but on average, antique timepieces make a sum of around £2,671. A unique look or prestigious maker helps too: one Art Nouveau Italian Baroque grandfather clock recently went for nearly £4,000, while a red lacquer longcase clock from Thomas Bell London took home more than its contemporaries at £3,450. Vinyl records – £4,000 Are you a huge fan of music and are hoarding old vinyl up in the attic? You could be sitting on a rare piece of history without even being aware of it. It's no secret that original pressings from big bands such as That's not all though. The Velvet Underground & Nico's iconic collaboration – featuring a yellow banana on the cover designed by the late artist and film director Released by record companies before the rest of the world has access to them, promo copies are seen as particularly valuable – and they typically go for 50% more than a standard pressing.
