sealed 1999 AOL 5.0 CD with the "500 hours free" trial is considered a collectible item, according to eBay listings.
Here's why and what to expect regarding its value:
Rarity: While AOL famously distributed millions of these free trial CDs as a marketing strategy, finding a version that is still sealed in its original packaging is less common.
Nostalgia: These CDs evoke a sense of nostalgia for the early days of the internet, making them attractive to collectors of vintage technology and advertising memorabilia.
Value:
One eBay listing shows a sealed 1999 AOL 5.0 CD (500 Hrs Free) selling for $18.99 (originally $19.99).
Another eBay listing for a similar sealed disc lists it at $15.00.
A Poshmark listing for a lot of 10 new, unopened AOL discs lists them for $60.
Some AOL CDs, particularly rare versions or those with unique branding, have reportedly sold for higher prices. One source mentions some rare discs selling for up to $100, and another mentions some selling for $1,000s.
Collectibility: The popularity of collecting old AOL discs is evidenced by communities dedicated to it, and even the Smithsonian Museum has an AOL floppy disk in its collection.
In summary: A sealed 1999 AOL 5.0 CD with 500 free hours is definitely a collectible. While its value likely falls in the $15-$20 range, some rare versions with specific designs or packaging might fetch higher prices from dedicated collectors.