Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy things that people attach a virtually priceless nostalgic and sentimental value to. However, sometimes when people see that the monetary value is as high as it is, it will supersede the sentimental value.

With so many television shows like “Pawn Stars,” “Storage Wars” and “Antiques Roadshow,” many Americans are turning out all of their old things in the hopes of finding a hidden treasure. Unfortunately, for every four or five amazing finds, there are endless multitudes of items that are worth about what they were originally purchased for, if that.

UWeekly set out to ask a few students to see what treasured troves might be lurking in their basement, attic or what have you.

“I still have some of my old baseball cards,” said Jason Rogers from Toledo. “My favorite is a Derek Jeter rookie card. That’s got to be worth something, right?”

Unfortunately, with baseball card companies more than quadrupling from the 1950s, the value of each card is significantly lower. With no autograph, a typical rookie card – whether it be Derek Jeter, Barry Bonds or Michael Jordan – will net you about $10-$20 on average.

Nearly every male interviewed had at least one Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure. Unfortunately, since most of us acquired them during childhood, they were not only removed from the box, but also played with constantly. As a result, their value is nearly null. However, if you have all four of the original mean, green machines in their package, you can get about $20 each. Moreover, for those who acquired the Technodrome and never removed it from its original packaging, it could be worth $100-$125.

“I have nearly all the Jem and the Holograms somewhere in my attic,” said Elizabeth Rose of Grove City. As with any action figure or doll from that era, once removed from its original packaging – if not put into some kind of hermetically sealed contraption – it significantly decreases in value; in some cases up to 50 percent. However, Jem and her band mates will fetch you up to about $35. The Misfits and the Stingers, being less popular and therefore more rare, are worth about $60 each.

Remember back in the 1990s when Beanie Babies were so insanely popular that they were what everyone had and wanted? Well they are still being produced to this day, and first generation Beanie Babies with tags in mint condition can go for several hundred dollars. Ty’s website offers a full catalog for each one of their stuffed animals and you can request a price list.

There are a few rules to keep in mind when it comes to your antiquities. First, mint condition is a necessity. If it is out of the box, then you have to make sure you have all the parts and they are all in working order. Second, have some kind of paperwork if possible; if you can’t authenticate your claim, you can’t ensure your funds. Finally, if you think you can get a better deal elsewhere; feel free to shop around. Everything is worth something to someone; sometimes it’s just a matter of finding that person.