10 Budget Collectibles That Can Turn a Profit

3. Maps

The world may be a finite place from a geographic perspective, but national borders have changed over centuries and continue to change today. Not even to mention the maps from the golden age of exploration that show sea monsters in the oceans as legitimate biological illustrations. Old maps showing former countries can be a collector's dream, particularly if they're in good shape.

"Maps and prints will increase in value because they are even harder to keep safe, and they work well as decorations," says Duval. He adds that vintage maps can also be sold to companies to produce reproductions.

4. Signage

If you've watched any episode of "American Pickers" on television, you will know they are always in the market for unique signage, particularly if the company no longer exists. "Interest in the past keeps vintage decor popular for restaurants and retail interiors," says Robert McNellis, an expert in vintage antiques and collectibles. He says that signs from companies such as Pan Am and Wang Laboratories (computers from the 1970s), and from gas companies and restaurants that no longer exist, are highly collectible.

Did you know the Enron "E" outside of its corporate headquarters was sold (at bankruptcy auction) for near $44,000 to a store owner who thought it would be a good gimmick for his showroom floor?

5. Vintage record albums

Remember all of those old albums you couldn't wait to get rid of when cassettes first came on the scene and then CDs? Well, if you packed them and stored them so they are in good condition rather than selling them at a yard sale for 25 cents or throwing them away, you might be in luck. The new generation loves collecting and playing vintage music from its original recording. "Particular albums with unusual packaging that include ephemera like posters, tickets and or photographs are especially collectible," says McNellis.

6. Turntables

If you don't have a turntable, then the album is pretty much worthless. That's what makes turntables in such high demand for music collectors. "Because vinyl is making a big comeback, record labels are pressing new music on vinyl again and it's very trendy to play vinyl," says McNellis. "These turntables are in demand by young people because it's a more interesting way to play the music." McNellis says a turntable could be worth thousands of dollars to a collector.