Noname Antiques » Vintage Skateboards Value (Identification & Price Guides)

Vintage Skateboards Value (Identification & Price Guides)

There are not many items like vintage skateboards that have such dedicated collectors. Even though the first models from the 1920s were dangerous without steer ability, they started one of the most significant American cultural movements.

Each skateboard generation came with innovations, but vintage and unique pieces are still highly appreciated. Consequently, their value increases every year. Nowadays, the most desirable are those produced from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Skateboard History

Skateboard History

Skateboard origins came from the 1920s when the first three-wheeled scooter appeared, and it evolved into the skeeter by the 1940s. However, the first real skateboard was born in California in the 1950s when surfers started creating homemade boards.

Interestingly, you can’t determine the sidewalk surfing board inventor. Somehow, many enthusiasts opened skate shops at the same time with the same concept.

The 1920s – Scooter skates

Cross-country skiing enthusiasts invented these bright red metal boards with three steel wheels to enjoy their favorite sport after the summertime. They featured two adjustable clamps for feet and two poles. After the handle removing, it was possible to ride it like a skateboard.

The 1940s – Skeeter

Aluminum skeeters that appeared in the 1940s resembled modern boards more closely. They had wheels made of the same metal, steering axles, and a removable pole. These steering axles were an incredible invention that allowed the riders to steer their boards.

The 1950s and the 1960s – Roller derby

The surfing movement boomed in the 1950s, and numerous hand-made skateboards were introduced. Enthusiasts used wooden boards or milk boxes with attached roller skate wheels made of clay to their bottoms. Believe it or not, most wanted to reach a natural surfing feel and went barefoot.

The first commercial model, Roller Derby, appeared on the market in the 1960s. This wooden skateboard featured dual steel wheels and roller skate trucks.

The manufacturer started with the Skate Board Kit, but sales skyrocketed with fully assembled skateboards. As you can guess, Southern California quickly became the center of skateboarding.

Numerous companies in the US began with skateboard production, trying to make as unique boards as possible. For instance, the Official Skee-Skate Air Master designed an attractive brown deck with a white box.

That way, each owner could write their name and secure their skateboard from stealing. Then, logos on the board’s deck became a standard:

  • Genuine Skateboard of Canada added a maple leaf graphic
  • Nash Sidewalk Surfers decorated their products with a stylized footprint trio
  • Bauer used a bold white arrow
  • Sokol Surf Skate introduced burning letters directly into the wood

Color became the next crucial thing. Roller Derby became recognizable for the yellow Mustang with matching yellow wheels. On the other hand, Zipees picked out a board decorated with a pair of brown-and-white stripes and green clay wheels.

By the mid-1960s, Super Surfer started using fiberglass and composite decks. The new invention became the big news at the World Skateboarding Championships held in 1965 in California.

The 1970s – Cadillac wheels

Surfer Frank Nasworthy was the first to attach high-performance roller-skating polyurethane wheels to his Hobie skateboard in the 1970s. He started marketing them under the Cadillac Wheels name in 1973.

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Other manufacturers improved trucks and ball bearings explicitly designed for boards, increasing their safety. That contributed to this sport’s popularity during the 1970s.

Easier-to-manipulate trucks allowed wider deck use, and riders got the ability to develop their skills. That led to numerous skateboard competitions and the opening of the first two skate parks.

The next step was transforming the sport from freestyle and downhill racing to heavy vert skating. As a result, riders developed different riding types (genres, styles), paving the way for street skating in the 1990s. The most popular board manufacturers in this decade were:

  • Z-Flex
  • Santa Cruz
  • Variflex
  • Powell-Peralta

From the 1980s to present

Skateboarding popularity decreased in the early 1980s after BMX biking’s sudden popularity. However, Powell-Peralta, Santa Cruz, and Vision-Sims didn’t give up and kept producing their boards.

Once more, at the end of the 1990s, skateboarding came back again. This time, enthusiasts enjoyed longboarding and downhill. The most prominent manufacturers in that period were:

  • Alien Workshop
  • Black Label
  • Birdhouse

 

Vintage Skateboard Value

Thanks to their fascinating history, vintage skateboards can be highly valuable. Interestingly, the most expensive are hand-made pieces professional boarders created.

Vintage skateboard value

Skateboard type Production year Price
NOS skateboard Unknown $8,000
Sonic Youth Dirty Promo skateboard 1992 $4,500
Santa Cruz Robro Scoop skateboard Unknown $2,520
Powell Peralta Rodney Mullen skateboard 1981 $2,500
G&S Mona Lisa skateboard 1990 $2,000
Mark Gonzales Vision skateboard The 1980s $2,000
Powell Peralta Tony Hawk Street Hawk skateboard Unknown $1,600
Signed Jason Lee David Bowie Primewood skateboard Unknown $1,500
Mike Vallely Elephant Board The 1980s $1,400
Santa Cruz Todd Mcfarlane Spawn skateboard Unknown $1,400
Powell Peralta Steve Caballero skateboard The 1980s $1,125
Kevin Staab Mad Scientist skateboard The 1980s $995
ZOO YORK -911 Tribute Skateboard 2001 $920
Kryptonics K-beam 1979 $850
Santa Cruz Everslick skateboard The 1990s $800
Jean-Marc Freestyle skateboard Unknown $800
Aggrssor2 skateboard The 1980s $750
Powell Peralta Tommy Guerrero skateboard 1989 $700
Supreme Larry Clark makeout skateboard The 1980s $610
Santa Cruz the Simpsons skateboard Unknown $550
Santa Cruz Steve Olson Checker 1981 $500
Zorlac Metallica skateboard Unknown $500
Acme skateboard Unknown $500
Formula One skateboard The 1990s $450
Mark Rogowski Gator skateboard The 1980s $370
Powell Peralta Tony Hawk Medallion skateboard 1990 $359
Deck Monty nolder skateboard Unknown $355
Nash/Park Wooden skateboard The 1960s $300
Logan Earth Ski Torger Johnson skateboard The 1970s $270
Variflex Waimea Bay skateboard The 1980s $185.50
Valterra King Cobra skateboard 1984 $160
Baker Erik Ellington skateboard The 2000s $112.50
Blank #5 JIMBO Teak Oak skateboard The 1970s $27
NOS skateboard
NOS skateboard
Sonic Youth Dirty Promo skateboard
Sonic Youth Dirty Promo skateboard
Santa Cruz Robro Scoop skateboard
Santa Cruz Robro Scoop skateboard
Powell Peralta Rodney Mullen skateboard
Powell Peralta Rodney Mullen skateboard
G&S Mona Lisa skateboard
G&S Mona Lisa skateboard
Mark Gonzales Vision skateboard
Mark Gonzales Vision skateboard
Powell Peralta Tony Hawk Street Hawk skateboard
Powell Peralta Tony Hawk Street Hawk skateboard
Signed Jason Lee David Bowie Primewood skateboard
Signed Jason Lee David Bowie Primewood skateboard
Mike Vallely Elephant Board
Mike Vallely Elephant Board
Santa Cruz Todd Mcfarlane Spawn skateboard
Santa Cruz Todd Mcfarlane Spawn skateboard
Powell Peralta Steve Caballero skateboard
Powell Peralta Steve Caballero skateboard
Kevin Staab Mad Scientist skateboard
Kevin Staab Mad Scientist skateboard
ZOO YORK -911 Tribute Skateboard
ZOO YORK -911 Tribute Skateboard
Kryptonics K-beam
Kryptonics K-beam
Santa Cruz Everslick skateboard
Santa Cruz Everslick skateboard
Jean-Marc Freestyle skateboard
Jean-Marc Freestyle skateboard
Aggrssor2 skateboard
Aggrssor2 skateboard
Powell Peralta Tommy Guerrero skateboard
Powell Peralta Tommy Guerrero skateboard
Supreme Larry Clark makeout skateboard
Supreme Larry Clark makeout skateboard
Santa Cruz the Simpsons skateboard
Santa Cruz the Simpsons skateboard
Santa Cruz Steve Olson Checker
Santa Cruz Steve Olson Checker
Zorlac Metallica skateboard
Zorlac Metallica skateboard
Acme skateboard
Acme skateboard
Formula One skateboard
Formula One skateboard
Mark Rogowski Gator skateboard
Mark Rogowski Gator skateboard
Powell Peralta Tony Hawk Medallion skateboard
Powell Peralta Tony Hawk Medallion skateboard
Deck Monty nolder skateboard
Deck Monty nolder skateboard
NashPark Wooden skateboard
NashPark Wooden skateboard
Logan Earth Ski Torger Johnson skateboard
Logan Earth Ski Torger Johnson skateboard
Variflex Waimea Bay skateboard
Variflex Waimea Bay skateboard
Valterra King Cobra skateboard
Valterra King Cobra skateboard
Baker Erik Ellington skateboard
Baker Erik Ellington skateboard
Blank #5 JIMBO Teak Oak skateboard
Blank #5 JIMBO Teak Oak skateboard

Since this kind of market is narrowly specialized, boarders quickly recognize privately made boards and the most prominent creators. Such skateboards can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

The most pricey are cult boards from the pop culture collection. For instance, one collector paid $38,425 for a skateboard with Bob Dylan lyrics and signature.

Collectors also highly appreciate uniquely designed boards, particularly those created by Santa Cruz and Powell-Peralta.

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On the other hand, you can find affordable skateboards worth only $50. They are typically damaged or intended for beginners or children. In most cases, you need to set aside $250 to $500 for a standard board.

Wooden models or those created of early plastic materials with steel or clay wheels are considered a jackpot.

There are no particular places to find vintage skateboards. In fact, you can come across one in unbelievably weird places. If you prefer going for proven options, you should look for desirable pieces at:

  • Online auctions
  • Estate auctions
  • Local yard sales

 

Features That Make a Skateboard Expensive

Typically, a few things distinguish inexpensive from top-notch antiques. The same thing is with vintage skateboards, and you can quickly determine the most pricey by:

Craftsmanship and materials

As I have already mentioned, riders quickly recognize the appreciated enthusiasts’ work and craftsmanship style. Some boards are authentic artwork, making them collectibles regardless of the craft quality.

On the contrary, prices of ordinary vintage boards intended for regular use will depend on used materials.

Artistry

Most skateboard features art prints or stickers on their bottoms. Since some are rare, they can be worth a small fortune. The rule of thumb is that the price is higher when the artwork is famous and more exclusive.

History

As you know, collectibles connected with celebrities or well-known events typically reach high prices. Therefore, collectors will be prepared to pay more for skateboards used by famous skateboarders like Tony Alva, Bam Margera, Tony Hawk, or Elissa Steamer. Boards with a unique background will also bring higher value.

Brand

Nowadays, many designers created unique and precious skateboards, often made in various shapes and from atypical materials. Therefore, pieces designed by MoMA or Versace are more worthy than others.

Rarity

Typically, a one-of-a-kind skateboard will be more pricey than regular ones. Therefore, custom boards are always more appreciated and costly, whether sold or resold.

 

The Rarest and Most Expensive Skateboards

It can seem strange, but the first skateboards were made only eight decades ago. That is why the rarest pieces are not the oldest but the most famous ones. A list of the rarest and most expensive skateboards includes those with one-of-a-kind status or models that somehow became a part of history.

The rarest skateboards on the market

Production year Skateboard type Price
2012 Blowin’ in the wind skateboard $38,425
2012 Lasek and Yauch skateboard set $35,000
2011 Blackbird skateboard $27,116
2019 The Supreme Mundi $20,000
2014 The Golden skateboard $15,000
1984 Rob Roskopp Santa Cruz skateboard $14,800
1988 Santa Monica Airlines skateboard $7,250
1984 No Net Ever black flag skateboard $7,000

Blowin’ in the Wind is the rarest skateboard worldwide, thanks to Bob Dylan, who signed it and inscribed a song passage.

Blowin’ in the Wind

Bucky Lasek and Adam Yauch sold their four-board set with Beastie Boys lyrics and Adam’s signatures for an incredible $35,000.

four-board set

Blackbird board is Tony Hawk’s skateboard featuring Beatles song lyrics Paul McCartney wrote in person.

Blackbird board

Adrian Wilson named this artist’s palette on wheels the Supreme Mundi, but it is not a skateboard in the true sense of the word.

the Supreme Mundi

The Golden skateboard is covered with 99.9999% gold plating but is still perfectly ridable.

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The Golden skateboard

Skating legend Rob Roskopp created the Santa Cruz skateboard before becoming the CEO of Santa Cruz bicycles.

Santa Cruz skateboard

The skater Natas Kaupas designed Santa Monica Airlines skateboard graphics based on a Frank Frazetta painting.

Santa Monica Airlines skateboard

Raymond Pettibon designed the rare and expensive No Net Ever skateboard worth $7,000.

No Net Ever skateboard

 

Reasons to Choose an Old-School Board

Even though you can see some skateboard deck crossovers, there are four primary skateboard deck types available, including:

  • Shortboards (trick skateboards)
  • Maneuverable cruiser boards for cruising
  • Old-School boards for ramps, cruising, and pools
  • Longboards for downhill racing and transportation

Riders equally use each model depending on the riding type they prefer. However, many still enjoy old-school skateboards as a perfect combination of cruising and trick riding.

These skateboards are beautiful and desirable and allow speed riding after a good kick. Technically, you can recognize three old-school board types:

  • Vintage old-schoolers manufactured during the early decades
  • Reissues (throwbacks), newly manufactured old decks
  • New old-schoolers invented in modern times with the old-school flair but without models available in the past

Authentic vintage old-school skateboards are collectible and the most expensive but also the least maneuverable. The list of the best and most desirable old-school skateboards includes:

  • 33 inches (83.9 cm) long and 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide Moose Old School, worth $70, is the best model overall

Moose Old School

  • 25 inches (64.1 cm) long and 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) wide MPI Nos skateboard, worth $40, is the best authentic vintage

MPI Nos skateboard

  • 5 inches (80 cm) long and 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) wide Santa Cruz Roskopp Face, worth $135, is the best OG brand

Santa Cruz Roskopp Face

  • 875 inches (81 cm) long and 9.375 inches (23.8 cm) wide Powell-Peralta Hotrod Flames, worth $100, is the best 1990s reissue

Powell-Peralta Hotrod Flames

  • 58 inches (80.2 cm) long and 9 inches (22.9 cm) wide Creature Shed Ice Picks, worth $80, is the best option for advanced riders

Creature Shed Ice Picks

  • 33 inches (83.9 cm) long and 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide Yocaher Pro, worth $65, is the best option for beginners

Yocaher Pro

  • 32 inches (81.3 cm) long and 8.7 inches (22 cm) wide Alien Workshop Peace, worth $90, has the best graphics

Alien Workshop Peace

  • 75 inches (80.6 cm) long and 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) wide Prime Lee Foghorn, worth $155, has the most recognizable graphics

Prime Lee Foghorn

  • 5 inches (82.55 cm) long and 8.38 inches (21.3 cm) wide Birdhouse Loy, worth $85, has the most recognizable art

Birdhouse Loy

  • 1 inches (81.5 cm) long and 9.8 inches (24.9 cm) wide Blind Mark Gonzales, worth $70, is the best deck-only model

Blind Mark Gonzales

  • 33 inches (83.9 cm) long and 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide Epic Sports Old School, worth $60, is best for budgets

Epic Sports Old School

 

Summary

Even though skateboarding appeared as a sport in the 1920s, it became trendy in the 1960s. The first scooter had three wheels but soon evolved into the four-wheeled skeeter in the 1940s. The modern skateboard appeared in California in the 1950s when local surfers designed homemade boards.

5 thoughts on “Vintage Skateboards Value (Identification & Price Guides)”

  1. Hi,
    I have an 88 Rob Roskopp ugly/melting face. It’s time to let it go to someone who will enjoy it but I have no idea of what sort of price to ask. Not motivated by money but don’t want to feel like I’ve been ripped off either.
    Any suggestions?

    Reply
  2. I have a few skateboards from the 80’s and would like to get a price on them and info on where to sell them to the right people?

    Thank you.

    Reply

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