Bobbing For Treasure
Call them "nodders." Call them "bobbin heads." Call them goofy, but don't call them trash.
CBS News Saturday Morning's collectibles expert Tony Hyman explains some of these 1960s trinkets are treasures indeed.
First, you need to look at what nodder is made of. If it's plastic forget about it; you'll get a buck at most. But if it is ceramic, or better yet paper-mache, it might be valuable.
Next, look at the type of figure it is. Collectors do not want generic animals or Oriental figures, but hundreds of other characters can put money in your pocket. Any baseball or football figure is worth at least $50 and more than half are worth up to $100. Some black athletic figures get a minimum of $350 and could be as much as $5,000.
Nodders that advertise shoe stores, airlines and about 20 other products can bring in $250 or more. Celebrities like Fidel Castro can be valued at $200, while John F. Kennedy, Nikita Khruschev and Mao Tse-tung are worth at least $400.
To get top dollar for your nodder, it must be in near perfect condition: no chips, no cracks, no repairs, no repainting. All the decals must be intact, not torn or chipped. And there must be a sticker or stamp on the bottom that says where it was made.
For more information on collectible 1960s trinkets, Hyman recommends nodder dealer Tim Hunter. His email address is thunter885@aol.com.
Find out about other collectibles described by CBS News Saturday Morning's Tony Hyman in the Collectibles Archive. Or visit Tony Hyman's Web site.
If you think you have a collectible worth a lot of cash, send an email to sat@cbsnews.com. Put "What's It Worth?" in the subject line, or write to "What's It Worth?" CBS News Saturday Morning, 514 West 57th St., 6th floor, New York, N.Y. 10019.
Please note that because of the volume of mail received, Saturday Morning can't respond to all requests, but some will be selected and featured on the program in the near future.