I was playing with my old GI Joe from the 1980s and had no idea it was worth $5,000 - an expert says every piece counts

COLLECTORS across the world have taken an interest in retro toys.

That means many Americans may have forgotten treasures in their basements, closets, and attics.

GI Joe, the iconic series of toys from the latter half of the 20th century, may be one of those treasures.

The action figure sets were popular with boys through the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Though the line of Hasbro toys, which debuted in 1964, are still active, their early editions can be worth significant cash to collectors.

One collector brought his set from the 1980s into a pawn shop, only to learn his toys were worth $5,000.

GAME PAWN

The owner came into Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, to sell the toys.

Appearing on the History Channel’s Pawn Stars, the client brought in two boxes of the GI Joe sets.

One was an Aircraft Carrier USS Flagg set.

The other was the Defiant Space Vehicle Launch Complex.

Having at least some knowledge of their value, he tried to sell the boxes for $1,500.

Host and businessman Rick Harrison then called in an expert to verify the toy’s worth.

The expert said that the specimens were “at the top of the list” for toy collectors.

The rare editions, holding nostalgic value, were worth $5,000, according to the expert.

However, that’s only true if all the parts are intact and in the box.

Many other retro toys and items have seen their value skyrocket in recent years.

Furbies, the one-time must-have toy of the late 1990s and early 2000s, are worth extra cash today.

Some rare editions have sold for thousands of dollars.

Early Tamagotchi toys can also be worth four figures.

While new versions are still available, a 1990s edition of the digital pet could sell for over $1,000.