Are old keys worth any money?

Author: Jannie Buckridge  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

It really depends on age, condition and, mostly, rarity. A rusted to bits 4,500 year old iron & wood key is worth quite a lot, while a 4.5 year old today steel key in perfect condition is likely worthless.

Can you get money for old keys?

You can donate your old keys to charity organizations. They collect keys and melt them down to sell them as scrap metal. The money is given to charities—what a fantastic idea.

What keys are worth money?

Are Old Antique Skeleton Keys Worth Anything? Most individual skeleton keys sell for $10 or less, but certain styles can be worth much more. Keys with fancy bows, interesting engravings, a fascinating history, or other special features can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Are old keys good for anything?

You can transform old keys into unique and functional hooks for your home. This DIY project allows you to repurpose unused keys and add a touch of vintage charm to your decor.

Are old car keys worth anything?

At first thought, you might assume, that unless it starts your particular car, a random car key doesn't have a lot of value. However, you would be very wrong. This is because you can resell old and used car keys. It doesn't matter what make or model the key goes to; all kinds of key fobs can be worth money.

Vintage and Antique Keys - What Are They Worth?

Can old keys be worth money?

Keys and locks originated in ancient civilizations, and have been dated as far back as 4000 BC. Genuine antique skeleton keys are quite collectible, although their value varies greatly, depending upon their age, scarcity, embellishments or details, their weight, shape, and size.

Can you do anything with old car keys?

Truth is, keys can indeed be recycled at most recycling centers in the mixed metals bin. Just make sure you take off the little rubber edging you have around it first. They can often melt down and reuse the metal.

What can you do with old keys for money?

Sell them!

If you have a large collection of keys to dispose of, try contacting a local scrap metal merchant.

Why do people collect old keys?

Antique keys are commonly found in most antique shops so you should have no problem collecting keys. Many people like to wear them as jewelry. They are symbolic of “opening one's heart” and are also given as gifts of love. Whatever your reason to collect keys, you'll find them at Pickety Place.

Why are skeleton keys illegal?

Skeleton keys have often been associated with attempts to defeat locks for illicit purposes, to release handcuffs for example, and standard keys have been filed down for that purpose.

How much is a key worth in dollars?

Current KEY to USD exchange rate

1 KEY equals 0.00090 USD. The current value of 1 SelfKey is -1.81% against the exchange rate to USD in the last 24 hours. The current SelfKey market cap is $5.39M. The current United States Dollar market cap is -.

Why are they called skeleton keys?

According to the Collins English Dictionary, a skeleton key is called such because it has been reduced to its essential parts.

Can I sell my keys?

TURN YOUR KEYS INTO CASH! Want to make some extra money? Sell Your Key allows you to do just that – sell your old, unwanted car keys and remotes. We usually buy keys in bulk from car dealers, body shops, salvage yards or any other business with a large amount of keys.

What kind of metal are car keys made of?

Traditional metal keys have been the standard for decades. These keys are simple in design, typically made of brass or steel, and feature unique cuts and ridges that align with the internal mechanisms of the lock cylinder.

What are old keys made of?

These early keys were often made of bronze or iron and were simple in design, with a single tooth that could be inserted into a lock. Over time, skeleton keys became more complex, with multiple teeth and intricate designs that were specifically tailored to fit different types of locks.

What kind of keys are worth money?

It really depends on age, condition and, mostly, rarity. A rusted to bits 4,500 year old iron & wood key is worth quite a lot, while a 4.5 year old today steel key in perfect condition is likely worthless.

Should you throw away keys?

Like other metals, keys can be recycled in the mixed metals recycling facility at most Recycling Centres - find your nearest below.

What to do after collecting resale keys?

What To Do After Collecting Keys To Your BTO in Singapore
  1. Step 1: Apply for Fire Insurance. ...
  2. Step 2: Set Up SP Utility Account. ...
  3. Step 3: Pay Remaining House Loan. ...
  4. Step 4: Conduct Defect Inspection. ...
  5. Step 5: Report Defects to the Building Service Centre (BSC) ...
  6. Step 6: Renovation.

Can you get money for recycling keys?

Our unique recycling program helps us reduce the cost of replacing keys by using proprietary technologies that allow us to refurbish old keys. We pay YOU for sending us your unneeded keys to pass savings onto our customers. Opportunity to make money from surplus keys.

What to do with useless keys?

Use festive ribbon or twine to tie old keys all around the tree's branches. Use It: Keys have a surprising amount of practical uses. Try using smaller keys as zipper pulls on bags and backpacks, or attach to pull chains for lighting or ceiling fans.

What can I do with old spare car keys?

Keys
  1. Car Keys Are Often E-Waste. Car keys with remote functions are electronic. Any item that contains electronic parts needs to be disposed of with e-waste.
  2. No Plastic and Electronics? It's Scrap Metal. ...
  3. Throw Out if Covered in Plastic. If the key itself isn't electronic but is covered in plastic, throw it away.

What can you do with old keys near me?

Keys
  • Keys can be recycled with mixed / scrap metal at many household waste recycling centres.
  • Make sure that you take off any tags (and addresses!)
  • Visit the recycling locator to find your nearest recycling site.

Are old key fobs worth anything?

Old key fobs may look useless, but they can actually be worth good money. If you're an individual who found the old car key box at the dealership, or an automotive pro getting rid of excess inventory, you can sell your key fobs to We Buy Key Fobs for cash.

Are car keys obsolete?

Call them what you want: digital keys the shape of a credit card, keyless start pods, keyless push-button start devices, intelligent keys or smart or “smartphone” keys. They're the way we open and start cars now — and more — and it's unlikely the primitive keys of the past are coming back.

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