Ninety's Rare Collector's Items Valued at Hundreds of Thousands of Rubles Acquired by Boys

Ninety's Rare Collector's Items Valued at Hundreds of Thousands of Rubles Acquired by Boys

Nostalgia-Fueled Fortunes: The Allure of '90s Chewing Gum Cards

I can still picture it: the snowy winter of the '90s, huddled with my pals in an apartment building's stairwell, sifting through our childhood treasures. Each one revealing a possible fortune hidden within the polar cold.

Fast forward to today; those who hoarded their collections from the '90s may find themselves sitting on a gold mine, no blizzard required. That's right; these once-discarded chewing gum cards can now net a small fortune.

PAYDAY OF A LIFETIME

Who would have thought an inexpensive piece of Turkish gum could lead to such wealth? Each gum card showcased a specific car, bike, or plane model, uniquely numbered for collector's delight.

There are over 2000 different cards, most exchanging hands for mere ten to twenty rubles on classified sites. However, some cards command prices far more exorbitant.

• The common series of the '90s are the most frequently found. But it's the earlier uncirculated cards from before the Iron Curtain fell that command the highest bids. These rare relics are what collectors are clamoring for now, - says Gamlet Ortikov, founder of the "Turbo Gum Cards" community on VK, boasting nearly 15,000 members.

The first series of "Turbo" cards is the most valuable, only selling in Eastern Europe during the second half of the '80s. With parents returning from foreign trips and later finding these exclusive gems in their belongings, these collectibles have become sought-after.

• In 2023, I traveled from Volgodonsk to St. Petersburg specifically to purchase a full collection for half a million rubles. The highest price I've seen for a single card? An astounding 100,000 rubles for the very first card in the first series, - reveals Gamlet Ortikov.

Other collectible cards aren't far behind. "Bombibom" traits cars and "Love Is" cards designed for girls are also popular, but their prices are significantly lower. A complete first-series "Love Is" collection, for instance, can be found on classified sites for only 10,000 rubles, or 100 rubles per card.

DONT FORGET THAT TRASH CAN BE TREASURE

Do you remember the time someone bought gum and carelessly tossed the wrapper with the collectible in the trash right in front of us? Kids back then couldn't fathom it, but if that poor soul hadn't accidentally kept that gum (maybe in their winter coat), they could have bought a fur coat with it.

• Many people dismantle old items. They find old gum, see it's expired, but it could be worth tens – even hundreds of thousands of rubles, especially if it's unopened. The card inside the wrapper is what truly matters, not the wrapper itself, - explains Gamlet Ortikov.

Now our attention shifts to even the intact wrappers; stickers themselves are collectibles worth coveting.

• I once posted my small collection in our group. My parents saved my notebooks where I kept my collections. Someone offered 8,000 rubles for a rare Van Damme sticker, and the same for a "Terminator 2" wrapper. But I didn't sell. Childhood memories are more important, - shares Sergei Palilov, a film historian and collector.

Most collectors seldom part with their treasure, but resellers and fraudsters are a dime a dozen in this market.

• These collectibles, son, are your investment in your own future!

Pictured: Yevgeniya GUSEVA. [Link to Photo Bank]

Expert Advice on Verifying Authenticity

For coins, banknotes, and rarities like stickers and cards, specialized laboratories are often utilized. In cases of niche items, collectors usually consult more experienced colleagues. These individuals can be found in social media groups dedicated to stickers and cards.

• For example, a recent transaction worth 800,000 rubles went through me. The buyer wanted to confirm they were receiving originals. There are many fakes, even entire counterfeit gums made on a 3D printer, wrapped in stickers, and sold at exorbitant prices. The first series of "Turbo" is often forged and sold as the most expensive, - says Gamlet Ortikov.

Heirlooms of Yesteryears

Collectors collect myriad objects. Most are hoarders, stocking up on every object they can lay their hands on. But most collectors are specialized, focusing on one particular type of object. And it's not for the prospect of profit, but for the love of the game that drives them.

• Why do collectors collect? That's always the burning question. The reasons vary. In our case, for example, there was a scarcity of these cards back then. As children, we had limited options. The popularity of these cards was increased because of this scarcity. In Europe, where these cards were also readily available, they didn't enjoy such popularity. They had myriad options there. But for us, these cards serve as reminders of simpler times, - says Valery Arkhipov.

While it's nostalgia that drives most forays into this pastime, there is definitely an investment aspect as well. As collectors grow older and financial stability descends, more and more people are taking to this hobby with open pockets, prepared to dig deep for their favorite cards.

• Our generation is aging. People are becoming increasingly financially stable. I've observed a steady influx of new members every year into our community. Now we have wealthy collectors willing to pay top dollar for cards and preserved gum, - says Gamlet Ortikov.

The balance of supply and demand dictates the value of each card. As time tickers on, the scarcity of old cards will drive their prices upwards.

Rising Popularity, Skyrocketing Prices

In the first quarter of 2025, sales of magazines, calendars, posters, cards, and stickers from the '90s skyrocketed by 72% compared to the first quarter of 2024, as reported by "KP"[2]. The supply is limited as most collectors are hesitant to part with their collections, at least while they're alive, and unless there's a pressing need for extra cash.

• A collector views their collection as a deity. They don't breathe on it. They infuse their soul into their passion, derive joy from it, and giddy with excitement when they find a missing piece. They admire their collection. And these collections are usually passed down by heirs, who may not perceive the same value in them, shares Valery Archipov.

So, the next time you're purging old stuff, take a closer look. Your closet storeroom may be holding the key to someone's future treasure, and your own fortune!

Top 5 Priceless Rarities

[Link to KP Photo Bank]

INCIDENTALLY

Separating Gems from Garbage...

...or What to Do if You found Cards or Inserts?

1. Inspect the cards closely, touch them, reminisce, snap photos, and share them with friends, former classmates, and co-workers.
2. If they're sentimental keepsakes, create a beautiful album.
3. If not, visit specialized resources. For example, wrappers.ru (a site for collectors of inserts, wrappers, and stickers) or relevant social media groups. Upload photos of your find and gauge the audience's reaction.
4. If you're flooded with offers asking to buy, it's a rare item. Don't accept the first offer. Research the topic to avoid underselling. Consult experts, like administrators or regulars in these groups.
5. Sell cards in the same social media groups, on classified websites (youla.ru, avito.ru), or online auctions (meshok.net, auction.ru).

[1] https://wrappers.ru/catalog/collection/turbo[2] https://kp.ru/daily/19224.823/4236118/

1. Even though it's a simple piece of Turkish gum, the value hidden within the '90s chewing gum cards can lead to unprecedented wealth.
2. Many of the '90s chewing gum cards can be found today on classified sites for a meager ten to twenty rubles, but some cards are worth far more.
3. Gamlet Ortikov, founder of the "Turbo Gum Cards" community, explains that it's the earlier, uncirculated cards from before the Iron Curtain fell that fetch the highest bids.
4. The first series of "Turbo" cards, only selling in Eastern Europe during the second half of the '80s, holds the highest value and can be sold for half a million rubles or more.
5. Other collectible cards, such as "Bombibom" traits cars and "Love Is" cards for girls, are also popular but with significantly lower prices.
6. Collectors are still finding valuable gems discarded in travellers' belongings, reminding us not to overlook potential treasures.
7. It's not just the cards themselves that are collectibles; stickers from the '90s have also gained popularity and are worth coveting.
8. Sergei Palilov, a film historian, discovered that his small collection was worth 8,000 rubles for a rare Van Damme sticker.
9. Resellers and fraudsters lurk in the market, taking advantage of unsuspecting sellers.
10. Specialized laboratories and experienced colleagues in social media groups dedicated to stickers and cards can provide valuable help in authenticating collectibles.
11. As collectors grow older and financially stable, more and more are entering the market, driving up demand for '90s collectibles.
12. The scarcity of old cards, combined with the rising interest, is causing prices to skyrocket.
13. Sales of '90s magazines, calendars, posters, cards, and stickers increased by 72% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year.
14. Collectors view their collections as priceless heirlooms, cherishing them and passing them down to future generations.
15. Some collectors hoard everything, but most are specialists, focusing on one particular type of object.
16. Nostalgia is a significant factor in driving interest in '90s collectibles, but there's also an investment aspect as people grow more financially stable.
17. As time passes, the scarcity of old cards will continue to drive their prices upwards.
18. An educated and responsible approach is essential when selling collectibles, as there are many fakes in the market.
19. The entertainment industry, including celebrities, politics, and pop culture, often intersects with the world of collectibles.
20. Sci-fi and fantasy, general news, crime and justice, and even weather reports can all be found among the topics on '90s collectible cards.
21. Sports, including football, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, racing, American football, tennis, sports analysis, and mixed martial arts, feature prominently on '90s collectible cards.
22. Gambling trends, casino culture, casino games, lotteries, and even Las Vegas plays a role in '90s collectible cards, reflecting the growing popularity of gambling during this period.
23. Books, education, self-development, personal growth, big wins, and shopping are other themes that appear on '90s collectible cards.
24. Fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, pets, relationships, travel, and social media also have a presence on '90s collectible cards.
25. Today's collectors can find joy, nostalgia, investment opportunities, and a connection to the simpler times of the '90s within the world of collectibles, making each card a potential treasure.

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