13 Valuable Vintage Advertising Signs Many Boomers Probably Have in Their Garage
Hidden among the dusty corners of garages across the country, vintage advertising signs from past decades hold more than just nostalgic charm—they can be highly collectible and valuable.
These classic relics reflect cultural shifts while showcasing the bold logos and vibrant colors that once defined America’s advertising landscape.
For Baby Boomers, these signs bring back memories of roadside diners, gas stations, and local shops. But beyond sentimentality, some of these forgotten treasures might be worth a surprising amount today.
1. Coca-Cola Button Signs
The unmistakable red-and-white Coca-Cola button sign is a true collector’s favorite.
These round metal signs were everywhere in the mid-20th century—hanging outside diners, gas stations, and local stores. Designed for durability, they often showcase charming wear that only adds to their vintage appeal.
Collectors today love these signs, not just for their iconic design but also for their historical significance in advertising. If you happen to find one in your garage, hold onto it—it could be worth hundreds, even thousands, of dollars!
2. Route 66 Highway Signs
Route 66 isn’t just a highway—it’s an American legend.
For decades, these classic signs guided travelers along the “Mother Road,” the most famous highway in the U.S. Finding one tucked away in a garage is like holding a piece of history.
With their distinctive black-and-white shield shape, Route 66 signs have skyrocketed in value due to their rarity and strong nostalgic appeal. If you stumble across one, you might just be looking at a collector’s goldmine!
3. Texaco Star Signs
The Texaco Star was the guiding light for road travelers back in the day.
These bold red, white, and green signs once lit up gas stations across America, serving as a beacon for those in need of a fuel stop. Collectors today prize them for their historical significance and eye-catching design.
Whether rusty and weathered or perfectly preserved, a Texaco sign is a must-have for vintage advertising enthusiasts. If you find one, don’t toss it—its value is soaring!
4. Mobil Pegasus Signs
The legendary red Pegasus isn’t just a logo—it’s a collector’s dream.
The Mobil Pegasus sign symbolizes speed, strength, and the golden age of gas stations. With its mythical winged horse, this vintage sign is highly sought after by collectors, automotive fans, and nostalgia lovers.
If you happen to dust one off in your garage, you could be looking at a piece worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
5. Goodyear Tire Signs
The famous Goodyear “winged foot” logo was a symbol of trust on the road.
For decades, Goodyear tire signs hung in auto shops and service stations, promoting durability and quality.
Many Boomers may remember these signs from their youth, but few realize their worth today. These signs have become highly collectible, with rare versions fetching serious cash among automobile memorabilia collectors.
6. Shell Oil Company Signs
The bright yellow Shell sign is instantly recognizable and widely adored.
Whether hanging outside service stations or garages, these signs represented quality and reliability in fuel. Their distinctive shell shape makes them a collector’s favorite.
Today, vintage Shell signs are in high demand, often fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auctions.
7. Dr Pepper Thermometer Signs
A sign that tells the temperature AND advertises soda? Pure genius.
These dual-purpose signs once adorned drugstores, grocery stores, and even gas stations.
Not only do they bring vintage charm, but they’re also prized for their rarity. If you come across a Dr Pepper thermometer sign in your garage, you might just have a valuable piece of advertising history in your hands!
8. Sinclair Dinosaur Signs
Sinclair’s famous green dinosaur, Dino, is one of the most beloved advertising mascots ever.
These signs were staples at Sinclair gas stations, capturing the imagination of kids and adults alike.
Collectors today go crazy for Sinclair Dinosaur signs, making them a valuable piece of memorabilia if found in good condition.
9. Phillips 66 Shield Signs
Phillips 66 wasn’t just a gas station—it was a symbol of the open road.
These black-and-white shield-shaped signs became an iconic marker for travelers in the mid-20th century.
With their bold typography and timeless design, Phillips 66 signs are highly sought after today. Whether rusted and weathered or in pristine condition, these signs are a piece of Americana that collectors are willing to pay big bucks for.
If you uncover one in your garage, you might just be holding onto a valuable slice of roadside history!
10. RC Cola Wall Signs
RC Cola may not have been as big as Coca-Cola or Pepsi, but its signs are just as collectible.
With their bold blue and red color scheme, RC Cola signs were fixtures in small-town diners, grocery stores, and soda fountains. Because RC Cola was a smaller brand, its advertising signs are harder to find today—making them even more valuable to collectors.
If you happen to stumble upon an RC Cola sign in your garage, don’t dismiss it—it could be a rare and profitable piece of soda history!
11. Cadillac Authorized Service Signs
Nothing says “luxury” like a vintage Cadillac sign.
These sleek and stylish signs once adorned service stations and dealerships, symbolizing prestige and excellence. The bold Cadillac script and elegant crest logo make these signs highly desirable among collectors of vintage automobile memorabilia.
If you happen to find one tucked away in your garage, it could be worth a pretty penny—especially if it’s in good condition!
12. Borden’s Ice Cream Signs
Borden’s Ice Cream signs bring back memories of hot summers and sweet treats.
Featuring the cheerful cow mascot, Elsie, these signs once brightened up ice cream parlors, corner stores, and roadside stands.
Their playful design and vibrant colors make them a collector’s favorite. If you have one, hold onto it—nostalgia sells, and vintage dairy advertising is in demand!
13. Lucky Strike Cigarettes Signs
Before smoking bans and health warnings, Lucky Strike was one of the most recognizable cigarette brands in America.
Their bold red-and-white logo became an advertising staple, appearing on storefronts, gas stations, and tobacco shops. While smoking culture has changed dramatically, Lucky Strike signs remain valuable collectibles for those interested in mid-century advertising.
If you find one hidden in storage, it could be a reminder of a bygone era—and a valuable piece of history.