Vegemite releases mini silver replica jars to mark 100th birthday

Aussies could be in for a financial treat with a new keepsake unveiled by Vegemite. See an expert’s tips on how other items around the home could earn you big money.

Vegemite has unveiled a limited edition release of handcrafted silver and gold-plated replica jars to mark its 100th anniversary. Picture: Supplied

Australians may have thousands of dollars worth of collectable items stashed about their home, which they could offload to help with cost of living pressures.

Antiques and collectables expert Rick Milne said toys such as LEGO and old Barbie dolls were “hot property” at present. So too were old comics, which could fetch up to $1000.

He runs antiques centres in Brisbane and Melbourne where he said LEGO, regardless of age, barely lasted “four seconds” on the table before it was snapped up.

Barbie dolls are “red hot” with collectors at present.

“Barbie dolls are red hot. The plain one from the 1960s. If you find it in the original packaging, people might spend over $500 for it today,” he said.

“Smurfs. We had a big stack of those and they didn’t even make it into the cabinet. There was about 50 of them that sold for $100. Smurfs that have got little pieces with them, for example a tennis racquet, they are very sellable.”

Sport is always in demand, with old AFL trading cards still sought-after, Mr Milne said.

“Scanlens (brand of trading cards) would come with a stick of gum and some cards. People threw away the packaging because they were in such a hurry to see the cards. But if you have the wrappers, that’s a thousand bucks easy,” he said.

Old comics are also valuable, Mr Milne said.

“People will have these out in the shed I guarantee you. Pre-decimal or pre-1966, when they were six or eight pence — the golden age of comics. Some of the early Phantom comics, say the first 30, are worth about $1000 each,” he said.

Similarly, original books by James Bond author Ian Fleming may cost $100 or up to $1000 if they have the original dust cover.

An old Vegemite poster. The iconic brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

The potential treasure trove stored in Aussie homes comes as Vegemite has unveiled a limited edition release of handcrafted silver and gold-plated replica jars to mark its 100th anniversary.

Created with Melbourne Gold and Silver, there will be 500 fine silver mini Vegemite jars on sale in both one and three ounce sizes – sitting at 18.8mm and 26.8mm tall respectively.

Vegemite fine silver and gold-plated mini jar replicas will go on sale on Friday, June 16. Picture: Supplied

Adam McNamara, executive general manager of Bega Foods, hopes Vegemite fans really love the mini jars and envisages them “going straight to the pool room”.

“When we were designing the idea, the original thought was to have 100 of them, in keeping with the 100th birthday. But with the popularity of the Vegemite coins, we didn’t think 100 would be enough, so we’ve gone with 500 of them.”

Mr McNamara predicts the jars will grow in value over time and “who knows, people will probably pass them onto the next generation”.

Buyers of the fine silver replicas will go into a draw to win of five 18-karat gold-plated versions. Picture: Supplied

Melbourne Gold and Silver managing director Chris Kerrison said it was a “ very proud moment” for the company to help celebrate such an iconic Australian brand.

“The fine silver vegemite mini collectables sit comfortably in the small palm of your hand. They are heavier than they look.”

The silver jars will be available to purchase for $160 (one ounce) or $320 (three ounce) through vegemite.com.au from 9am AET on Friday.

Those who purchase one of the replica jars will go into a draw to win one of five 18-karat gold-plated versions. Conditions apply.