McDonald’s Happy Meals are a big part of the childhood of many kids. Their immense popularity is not just because of the food; rather, it is due to the Happy Meal toys that come along with the meal.

Happy Meal toys have come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and colors over the years, from toys based on popular movies and tv shows, to Madam Alexander dolls, to Barbies, to toy cars, to miniature Beanie Babies, and much, much more! These toys have become a cultural phenomenon in their own right, and many of them fetch a pretty penny as collectors’ items on the secondary market.

Which McDonald’s Happy Meal toys have become valuable collectors’ items? Which will fetch the highest price in an online auction? In this blog post, we will explore the wide variety of valuable Happy Meal toys that have been produced over the years, their popularity, and their current market value.

A Brief History of Happy Meals and the Happy Meal Toy

The original McDonald’s Happy Meal was part of a marketing effort to win over children. In the 1970s, the fast food restaurant changed its store designs from red and white tiled buildings to brick. This change was not popular with children. Furthermore, competitors were appealing to children with gifts and special kids characters.

McDonald’s hired Bob Bernstein to help them win back the endorsement of kids. Bernstein was inspired by watching his child read the cereal box each morning while he ate his breakfast. He realized that kids enjoyed being occupied while they ate.

From this revelation, Bernstein and his team created a kids’ meal box for McDonald’s. The golden arches were the handles of the box, and there were puzzles, riddles, games, and comics on the outside of the box to engage kids. A surprise toy was also included in this meal box, which was dubbed the Happy Meal. After several successful test runs, McDonald’s introduced the Happy Meal nationally in 1979.

Eventually, the primary appeal of the Happy Meal was the toy. Over the years, McDonald’s partnered with Hollywood studios and major toy manufacturers to provide exciting toy options for children. Over the years, toys have included Beanie Babies, Transformers, Power Rangers, and many Disney characters. Today, many of these vintage Happy Meal toys are valuable and sought after as collectibles.

Top 15 Expensive McDonald’s Toys Worth Money

Vintage McDonald’s toys can fetch a high price on the market today. Here is a list of the top fifteen most valuable Happy Meal toys.

Hot Wheels

McDonald’s partnered with toy car giant Hot Wheels in the early 80s to provide the toy cars in their Happy Meals. Today, these McDonald’s Hot Wheels cars are a popular collectible, selling for around $50 each.

101 Dalmatians

In 1996, McDonald’s released 101 Disney dog figurines based on the popular Disney movie. A full set is worth at least $600.

Power Rangers

The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers were a cultural phenomenon in their own right, and McDonald’s capitalized on this by including them in the Happy Meals. A complete set of the Power Rangers toys is worth at least $500.

Inspector Gadget

This toy based on the popular character Inspector Gadget was a hit in the mid 90s. Today, it is worth around $500.

Tarzan Set

The full set of these figures, based on the Disney movie Tarzan, included Tarzan, Jane, Terk, Tantor, Porter, Kala, Clayton, and Sabor. The set is worth around $500.

Fraggle Rock

This set originally included Gobo, Red, Mokey, and Wembley Fraggle, all riding different cars. A set of these four sold in 2021 for around $460.

Mario

Some Happy Meals featured the popular video game characters Mario and Luigi, as well as Princess Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, and more. The full set of eight is worth around $430 or more.

TY’s Teenie Beanie Boos

This set of TY Teenie Beanie Boos isn’t worth as much individually, but a full set of these bears is worth over $400.

Underwater Monsters by Diener Keshi

These are some of the earliest Happy Meal toys ever made, and the full set of seven is worth around $370 or more.

Robots by Diener Keshi

Another earlier Happy Meal set, these robots are worth around $370 for the full set.

General Lee, Dukes of Hazzard

This set of stickers and cars is worth around $150 assembled and over $300 in its original condition.

Clone Wars Happy Meal Box

Star Wars fans enjoyed this collectible Happy Meal box, introduced in 2008. The box alone is worth about $50.

LEGO Bionicle

A full set of these six plastic figurines is worth around $250.

Snoopy

The classic Snoopy toys were released to celebrate McDonald’s 50th anniversary. The set included eight characters and is worth around $185.

Astroniks

The creatures are similar to Smurfs, and they were first introduced in 1975. The full set of 14 is worth around $185.

Where to Buy and Sell Old McDonald’s Toys That Have High Value?

If you are looking to buy vintage McDonald’s toys, you may have good luck at vintage toy stores, antique stores, and thrift stores. If you are looking for something specific, you can always search online on auction sites such as eBay for that item.

When looking to sell, your best bet is to sell your toys yourself on eBay, or even Etsy. Selling the toys yourself is the best way to obtain their full value. If you sell to a vintage toy store or another type of seller, they will undercut you on price because they are looking to make a profit by reselling your toy.

FAQs

What McDonald’s toy is worth the most?

Among the most valuable McDonald’s Happy Meal toys are the Hot Wheels cars that were introduced in 1983. The full set is worth around $875.

How much do McDonald’s toys sell for?

McDonald’s Happy Meal toys can sell for anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. It really depends on the toy, its age, its condition, and the demand for that particular toy. You can look up your specific toy of interest on an auction site such as eBay to see what it is currently selling for.

How much does a McDonald’s toy cost?

A brand new McDonald’s Happy Meal toy comes free with the purchase of a Happy Meal, but as these toys age they can become popular collectible items, and therefore worth much more.

Sources

https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/29/business/mcdonalds-happy-meal-history-trnd/index.html

https://www.fandomspot.com/valuable-happy-meal-mcdonalds-toys/

https://www.yahoo.com/video/20-most-valuable-happy-meal-160300379.html

Coca Cola bottles are intended for one-time use, but their classic and instantly recognizable shape has made them a popular collectible item. Coca Cola is well aware of the impact of packaging on sales, and for this reason they have always put thought into the design of their bottles.

Perhaps the most popular Coke bottles of today are the glass ones, which are designed to look like the original vintage bottles. Vintage Coke bottles and limited-edition Coke bottles that were produced for a specific purpose tend to fetch a higher price on the collectibles market.

In this blog post, we will explore the history of Coca Cola bottles, which bottles have the most value as collectibles, and how to identify what makes a specific Coke bottle popular or valuable.

History of Coca Cola Memorabilia and How it Became So Valuable

The Coca Cola company has been around since the late 1800s. The bubbly beverage was initially bottled in Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1891, and the first bottle was sold in March of 1894. Prior to this, Coca Cola had always been sold in soda fountains and as a patent medicine.

The Origin of the Bottle

The first Coca Cola bottles were original Hutchinson bottles. They used a Hutchinson patent bottle that was used commonly for many types of soda and spring water during that time. Each bottle was marked with “Biedenharn Candy Company, Vicksburg, Miss.” There are two styles of Hutchinson bottles still around: one plain bottle, and one with Coca Cola script on the bottle.

After 1900, Coca Cola was bottled in a bottle with straight sides with a crown top. A “crown top” is a kind of bottle that has a lip, and the bottle cap is removed with a bottle opener. This style preserved the soda’s carbonation much better than the previous bottles, and can be found in a variety of colors of glass, including clear, amber, green, blue, and aqua. The amber colored bottle tends to be the most valuable today.

In 1913, Coca Cola decided it wanted its own, distinctive bottle to be more recognized by customers. By 1916, they had developed the contoured bottle. In 1960, this design was patented as a design that belonged only to Coca Cola. This bottle is also known as the “Mae West” bottle or the “hobble skirt” bottle. Early versions of these Coke bottles came in clear, blue, green, and aqua.

The Auction that Made History

In 2019, an extremely rare Coca Cola bottle sold at Morphy Auctions for $110,700. This bottle was from 1915, and was a prototype for the company’s curved bottle design. Eventually another style was chosen as the wide middle didn’t work well with conveyor belts. It wasn’t until 1917 that Coca Cola settled on its curved bottle design.

This Coca Cola bottle is considered highly collectible for its age and scarcity. Previous prototypes of this bottle were destroyed, making this bottle up for auction extremely rare. Similar bottles have sold for $240,000 at auction.

Where to Buy Vintage Coca Cola Bottles That Are Considered Collectibles

Looking to start a collection of Coca Cola bottles? Here are some places where you can find pieces to add to your collection!

eBay

Here you can find a wide variety of antique or vintage Coke bottles from all over the world. This includes some very rare and valuable finds.

Reggie’s Antique Coca Cola Bottles

Reggie’s Antique Coca Cola bottles is a website that helps you find unusual Coke bottles for sale from across the internet.

Etsy

On Etsy, you can find a wide selection of antique and vintage bottles from the history of the Coca Cola company, including some extremely rare bottles.

What Makes a Coke Bottle Valuable?

There are several factors that contribute to the value of a Coca Cola bottle. Read on to learn more about each!

Age

Antique or vintage Coca Cola bottles tend to be more valuable than modern styles, which are easier to find. There is some debate on what is considered an antique when it comes to Coke bottles. Some consider 50 years antique while purists may consider 100 years antique.

Condition

As with any collectible, the condition of the Coca Cola bottle itself will impact its value. Look for versions without chips or scratches. The original label being intact is a great value add!

Rarity

Rare bottles are more valuable than common bottles. Some of the most valuable bottles are prototypes that were only produced in a limited run, making them hard to come by today.

Limited Edition

A commemorative Coke bottle that was printed to memorialize a special occasion tends to become more valuable as time goes by.

10 of the Most Valuable Collectible Coca-Cola Bottles

Certain Coca Cola bottles have been known to fetch a high price at auction. Let’s take a look at ten of the most valuable Coca Cola bottles ever sold and how much each one sold for.

Coca Cola Root Glass Co. Modified Prototype Bottle: This prototype is the original model used for the patent in 1915. It sold for $240,000.

Coca Cola Root Glass Co. Modified Prototype Bottle (2): This early Coca Cola bottle was a prototype of the design used to this day. It sold for $108,000 at auction.

Unopened Coca Cola Bottle: This bottle from 1974 was unopened when it sold on eBay in 2020 for a whopping $29,900.

French Wine Coca: There are just three of these special bottles in existence! This cool bottle, with the label still partially intact, sold for $5,000.

Dallas Cowboys’ Coke (Limited-Edition): This unique, limited-edition bottle features the Dallas Cowboys. It sold for $5,000.

Hutchinson Coca Cola Bottle: This straight-sided Hutchinson style bottle had a metal stopper originally. It sold for $4,000.

Thailand Coca Cola ACL Bottle: This bottle features the brand’s name embossed on the bottle, and it sold for $3,350 in October of 2020.

Seoul Olympic Games Commemorative Bottle: This commemorative bottle even came with its own box! It was produced for the 1988 Summer Olympics in South Korea, and it sold in 2021 on eBay for $2,500.

1900s Coke Bottle: This early 20th century bottle was produced with the classic hobble skirt design and has a logo on the side. This bottle sold on eBay in 2019 for $2,375.

Chinese Coca Cola Bottle: This limited-edition Coca Cola bottle remains unopened and was made to celebrate the first McDonald’s opening in China in 1992. At the time of its sale, the bottle was in mint condition. It sold for $1,500.

FAQs

What is the most expensive bottle of Coke?

A Coca Cola Root Glass Co. Modified Prototype Bottle, a prototype of the original model used for the patent in 1915, sold for $240,000.

How much are old Coca Cola bottles worth?

The value of old Coca Cola bottles depends on a variety of factors, including age, style, rarity, and condition. Research your particular bottle on websites such as eBay or Etsy and see what it is currently selling for online.

How can you tell how old a glass Coke bottle is?

In general, you can tell by the style of the bottle. The earliest Coke bottles from the late 1800s and early 1900s were produced by a glass company and embossed with “Biedenharn Candy Company, Vicksburg, Miss,” and will often have Coca Cola script on the bottle. These are known as Hutchinson bottles.

Between 1900 and 1917, Coca Cola used their straight-sided soda bottles, which came in a variety of colors including clear, amber, green, blue, and aqua. The had a crown top, also known as a lip.

By 1916, the company developed its distinctive contoured Coke bottle. The early version of this bottle came in clear, blue, green, and aqua.

Talk to an expert or research your particular Coke bottle to learn more about its origins!

Sources

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/auctions/auction-results/110700-prototype-coke-bottle-tops-morphys-3m-vegas-auction/

https://nypost.com/2019/03/28/extremely-rare-coca-cola-bottle-to-enter-auction-at-150k/

https://antiques.lovetoknow.com/Old_Coca_Cola_Bottle

https://www.txantiquemall.com/old-coke-bottles/

Mark Morgan has always been interested in collecting, starting with a collection of Smurfs that he had as a child. But he started seriously collecting in 1993. His girlfriend at the time worked at an antique store owned by her parents. Her father asked, “What’s the first thing you remember having as a kid?” Mark’s answer was “Pez dispensers.” Her father suggested that he start collecting them.

Mark began looking for Pez dispensers, but there were other toys that caught his eye, such as vintage Star Wars figurines that he had as a kid. “I started grabbing those,” he explains. “It turned into anything I could remember having as a child.”

Mark knew he was a collector when he started putting up display cases in his room at his parent’s house. The collection is special to him because of how diverse it is. It may have begun with Pez and Star Wars, but it has since grown to include a wide variety of toys, including G.I. Joe action figures, Shogun Warriors, lunch boxes, monster stuff, and Transformers. “It grew organically into the explosion that it is now.”

Mark doesn’t collect anything new. He focuses primarily on vintage toys, especially those from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. His favorite piece is the first Pez he can remember from his childhood. It is a Pez of a pilot, which his mother bought for him after a visit to the dentist. “My dad used to be a pilot – I think that’s why I picked it out.”

Mark’s Star Wars collection is notable because he has completed the set twice and is currently on his third time collecting the whole set. This time, he’s after the toys in their original packaging. “I’m getting pretty close to the end of that one!” he shares.

Overall, Mark’s collection has shot up in value over the years. There are items he’s paid $1 for that are now worth $1,000, as well as items he purchased for $100 that are now worth $600 or $700. “Everything I’ve purchased has all gone up in value,” he shares. The most valuable item is a Shogun Warrior Giant Robot that is worth around $2,500.

Today, the collection contains at least 20,000 pieces. Everything is on display in the basement of Mark’s home and grouped by the various toy lines. “I’m still collecting, and hopefully I’ll never stop!” shares Mark. “I like hunting for toys every weekend, trading with people, and selling here and there to fund my toy collecting habit. It’s always changing! That’s the fun part about it.”

For many little girls, Barbie dolls are an essential part of their childhood. Since coming onto the scene in 1959, this doll has become a popular and important toy worldwide. Countless variations of the Barbie doll have been produced over the years, from limited editions to promotional dolls and everything in between.

From the first Barbie doll to the more modern dolls, Barbie has held a wide variety of jobs, has had plenty of friends introduced, and has more accessories and clothes than can be counted. Barbie has even experienced several redesigns during the course of her life.

In this blog post, we will discuss Barbie’s history, her evolution, and the factors that can impact her value today.

Introducing the 1960 Barbie Dolls

Barbie dolls were first conceived in the garage of Ruth Handler, a toymaker and the co-founder of Mattel, Inc., and her husband, Elliot. Ruth was inspired after watching her daughter, Barbara, play with flat paper dolls. She wanted to create a 3-D version of an adult doll who was career-minded.

The very first Barbie doll was named Barbie Millicent Roberts after Ruth’s daughter. She debuted at the New York Toy Fair under Mattel’s brand on March 9, 1959. Barbie first arrived in a striped black and white sleeveless one-piece bathing suit. She had a ponytail, bangs, blonde hair, and red lipstick. This Barbie doll sold for $3 a pop, with special accessories that could be bought for $1 to $5. In its first year, over 300,000 Barbie dolls were sold.

The Evolution of Barbie Dolls

Since her inception, Barbie has worked at over 200 different careers. She traveled to the moon in 1965, even before Neil Armstrong did. She has also been a doctor, a paleontologist, a rock star, a computer engineer, the President, and much more.

At first, the doll was available as either a brunette or a blonde, but in 1961, red hair was introduced. Also in 1961, the Ken doll came onto the scene. Ken Carson was named after designer Ruth Handler’s son.

In 1963, Mattel introduced Midge Hadley, Barbie’s best friend. In 1964, her little sister, Skipper, was introduced. In 1967, Twiggy was the very first celebrity to have a Barbie made to look like her. Many other celebrities would follow, including Audrey Hepburn, Diana Ross, Cher, and many more.

In 1980, African American and Hispanic Barbie dolls became available. Since then, over 40 different international Barbie dolls have been released.

In 2016, Mattel introduced Barbie Fashionistas. These dolls were intended to reflect diversity, and they came with four body types, seven skin tones, 22 eye colors, and 24 hairstyles.

Factors That Can Affect Your 1960 Barbie Doll Value

There are many factors that contribute to the value of your vintage or modern Barbie doll. They include the model, the condition, the presence of the original packaging, the accessories, the popularity, and the historical significance. Read on for discussion of each of these factors and how they impact value.

Model

Barbies have been made for a variety of purposes. There are limited edition Barbies as well as special designs made for promotions. Special edition Barbies tend to be worth more. As an example, the most expensive Barbie ever sold was a one-time-only edition that was auctioned off for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation fundraiser in October of 2010.

Some other expensive models include Stefani Canturi Barbie, which cost $302,500; Diamond Castle Promotional Barbie, which cost $95,000; and De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie, which cost $85,000.

Rarity

The harder a Barbie doll is to come by, the more valuable it will be. We just discussed limited edition Barbies, which are valuable because of their scarcity. Also valuable are vintage Barbie dolls, which are typically harder to obtain than newer dolls.

Condition & Packaging

To get top dollar, a Barbie doll needs to be in excellent condition. The most valuable Barbie dolls are still in their original packaging, and the box is in mint condition.

Accessories

Many Barbies originally came with hair accessories and more. A Barbie doll will be worth more money if it has all of the original accessories that came with the doll when it was first sold.

Popularity

If a Barbie doll is super popular or in high demand, that doll will be worth more money. Sometimes, a Barbie can sell for an extremely high price at auction simply because a Barbie collector really wanted that particular doll.

Historical significance

Barbie dolls that have some sort of historical significance, such as dolls made to commemorate a specific occasion or those made in the likeness of popular historical figures, tend to be quite valuable.

How to Grade Authentic Collectible Barbie Dolls

When collecting Barbie dolls, there are multiple rating systems that can be used to identify both the rarity and the condition of the doll. These systems can help you identify an expensive Barbie from a regularly priced one. Read on to learn more about some of these systems!

Mattel’s Grading System

In 2004, Mattel created a four-tier structure to assist buyers with identifying collectible Barbie dolls. There are also books available that serve as guides to help you identify a rare or collectible Barbie doll.

Platinum: The rarest Barbie dolls are labeled platinum if they have less than 1,000 units produced.

Gold: Gold labeled Barbie dolls have less than 25,000 produced.

Silver: Silver labeled Barbie dolls have less than 50,000 produced.

Pink: Pink labeled dolls have no quota, which means that they are common and not rare at all.

eBay’s Grading System

eBay’s grading system rates Barbie dolls on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. There are also several helpful labels to identify collectible Barbies.

Hard to Find (HTF): This means that a doll is rare.

Modern Barbie: Barbies made after 1972 are considered Modern dolls.

Vintage Barbie: Dolls made before 1972 are Vintage dolls.

Original Swimsuit (OSS): This label is used for the original 1959 Barbie doll.

There are also four categories to describe the box condition for Barbie dolls:

1. Never Removed from Box (NRFB)
2. Mint in Package (MIP) or Mint in Box (MIB)
3. Mint No Box (MNB)
4. Near Mint (NM)

The Most Valuable Types of Barbie Dolls

The first Barbie doll from 1959, introduced in the New York Toy Fair, is the third most expensive Barbie worldwide. This vintage Barbie is worth around $8,000 in poor condition and $27,500 in mint condition.

Here are some important types of Barbies and the estimated Barbie doll’s worth:

• Limited Edition Barbies ($1,000 – $7,000)
• Holiday Barbies ($50 – $2,000)
• Color Magic Barbie ($500 – $1,000)
• Collectors Edition Barbies ($100 – $600)
• Customized Barbies ($100 – $500)
• Midge Barbie ($200 – $300)

How to Identify Barbie Dolls

How can you tell a genuine Barbie doll from a fake? Or vintage Barbie dolls from modern Barbies? There are several Mattel markings and other identifying factors that you can look out for. These can help you determine a Barbie doll’s value and age.

Markings & Stamps

Barbie dolls usually have a marking on their right hip. This includes the trademark, which shows the date that the doll was first patented or copyrighted. Any other markings found on the doll were used for assembly.

Feet and Hands

Vintage Barbie dolls typically have holes in the bottom of their feet. A “Made in Japan” or “Japan” stamp means the doll was produced between 1959 and 1972, making it a vintage Barbie doll. Later dolls were made in Mexico, Hong Kong, or Taiwan and are not vintage.

Also, earliest Barbies had fingers that were divided. After 1968, the fingers were not separated.

Hair Color and Style

A Barbie doll with its original hair color and style is much more valuable. Is the hair blond, brunette, red, or some other variation? The oldest Barbies were only available as blondes or brunettes, with red hair being introduced a few years later.

Neck Knob

The knob on the neck of your Barbie doll can help date the doll. Earlier models of Barbie had smaller knobs, and later Barbies have fuller faces.

Insuring Your Vintage Barbie Doll

If you own a collection of vintage or modern Barbie dolls, you’ll want to make sure that you have specialized collectibles insurance for greater peace of mind. Homeowner’s insurance may not offer adequate coverage for your collection, especially if your collection has appreciated in value. Get a free quote today to ensure that your collection is covered in the event of the unexpected.

FAQs

What makes 1960 Barbie dolls so valuable?

The original vintage Barbies from the 1960s are valuable today because they are in demand and rare. The first Barbie doll ever made can sell for $8,000 in poor condition and $27,500 in mint condition.

Are there any specific things I should look for when buying or collecting 1960 Barbie dolls?

Yes! Specific markings can help you identify Barbie dolls and what year they were produced. Look at the markings and stamps, the feet and hands, and the knob on the back of Barbie’s neck to help you determine when a doll was made.

Should I display my Barbie dolls or keep them in storage?

You can display your vintage Barbies. If they are in the original packaging, don’t remove the packaging. Display them in the box. You can purchase display cases for your dolls to protect them from dust and debris.

Can I increase or decrease my insurance coverage for 1960 Barbie dolls over time?

With Collectibles Insurance Services, you can make changes to your insurance policy at any time. We even offer an automatic monthly increase option to accommodate a growing or appreciating collection.

Sources

https://www.history.com/news/barbie-through-the-ages

https://www.txantiquemall.com/value-of-collectible-barbie-dolls/

https://www.valuemystuff.com/us/blog/how-to-value-barbies

The Beatles are one of the most popular bands of all time, having left a huge impact on pop culture and the music industry. Due to their immense popularity, anything collectible from the Fab Four tends to fetch a hefty price tag when sold at auction.

Beatles collectibles come in a wide variety, including vintage vinyl records, concert tickets, guitars and other instruments belonging to the band members, vehicles driven by the band members, handwritten original lyrics, and novelty Beatles collectible items such as lunch boxes, watches, board games, mugs, and much more.

With this blog post, we’re diving headfirst into the world of Beatles collectibles. We’ll be discussing some of the most popular and most valuable Beatles collectible items of all time, as well as discussing how you can get started with collecting Beatles memorabilia – plus, how you can protect your valued collection.

The Most Valuable Beatles Memorabilia Ever Sold

Some Beatles merchandise is so valuable that it sold for thousands – or even millions – of dollars. Just which Beatles items have fetched such a high price tag? Here are a few of the most valuable Beatles memorabilia items ever sold!

Rolls Royce belonging to John Lennon: John Lennon’s vintage vehicle sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $2 million.

Original 1962 J-160 E Gibson Acoustic Guitar belonging to John Lennon: John Lennon’s classic instrument sold for $2.41 million in 2015.

Hand-painted Drum Skin from the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: This drum skin sold at a Christie’s auction for over $1 million.

Sgt. Pepper Album (All four Beatles signed): This autographed album sold at Heritage Auctions for $290,500, far surpassing its estimated value of $30,000.

First Management Contract with Brian Epstein: This contract, signed in 1962 with Beatles new manager Brian Epstein, sold for $553,559 in 2015.

George Harrison’s 1964 Gibson SG Guitar: George Harrison played this cherry red guitar on stage and in the studio until 1969. In 2004, this guitar sold for $567,000.

The first guitar Paul McCartney ever played: This Rex acoustic guitar gave Paul McCartney his start in the world of music. In 2006, the guitar was auctioned for $613,974.

George Harrison’s 1962 Rickenbacker 425 Guitar: Purchased by George Harrison in 1963, this guitar sold at Julien’s for $610,000 in May 2014.

Ringo Starr’s copy of The White Album: Expected to sell for between $40,0000 and $60,000, this album defied expectations when it sold for $790,000. This made it the most expensive record in the world.

Rickenbacker Guitar gifted to Ringo Starr by John Lennon: This guitar sold at Julien’s in December 2015 for a whopping $910,000. It was the second most valuable Beatles guitar ever sold.

Handwritten “A Day in the Life” Lyrics: These lyrics sold at Sotheby’s in June 2012 for $1.2 million.

Handwritten “All You Need is Love” Lyrics: Written by John Lennon, these lyrics sold at Cooper Owen Auctions for a record-breaking price of $1.25 million. This is the most ever paid for handwritten song lyrics.

Ringo Starr’s #1 Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl drum kit: Considered the most important drum set ever sold, this kit sold at Julien’s for over $2 million in December of 2015.

Ed Sullivan Show “Drop T” drum skin: This hand-painted drum skin sold at Julien’s Auctions for over $2 million.

John Lennon’s Rolls Royce Phantom V Limousine: This vehicle sold to Canadian billionaire Jim Pattison for $2.29 million.

John Lennon’s Gibson J-160E guitar: This instrument sold at Julien’s Auctions for $2.4 million in November of 2015.

Where to Buy Beatles Memorabilia

Are you looking to start collecting Beatles memorabilia – or are you interested in growing your already existing collection? If you are in the market for Beatles collectibles, it’s important that you buy from a reputable seller to avoid buying any fake merchandise or autographs.

Here are a few top places to buy:

Fab 4 Collectibles

Fab 4 Collectibles was established 15 years ago by an avid Beatles fan and collector. Tom Vanghele, the founder, is extremely knowledgeable about the band and their collectibles. Here you can find authentic memorabilia and learn more about the band.

Etsy

Many people sell vintage items on Etsy, and it can be an excellent source of Beatles memorabilia. You can find anything from autographed records to brand new items such as t-shirts, throw blankets, and more.

Hollywood Memorabilia

Hollywood Memorabilia has a great selection of certified and authentic Beatles memorabilia, including autographed photos, records, and more.

Tracks, LTD

Tracks, LTD is based in England and sells a wide variety of Beatles memorabilia, including autographs, photos, records, and concert memorabilia.

BeatleBay

BeatleBay is a great online resource for memorabilia and collectibles from the band, with everything from posters to greeting cards.

Ruby Lane

At Ruby Lane, you can buy anything from vintage posters to pins featuring the band.

Collecting Vintage Beatles Records

Popular Beatles-related collectible items – perhaps among the most popular – are vintage vinyl records. They are even more valuable if they are autographed by one or all members of the Fab Four. Read on to learn about the factors that contribute to the value of a vintage Beatles record, as well as some of the most valuable Beatles records available.

Factors that Contribute to an Album’s Value

Autographs: Anything that the Beatles signed will become more valuable as a collectible. Authenticated Beatles autographs cause the value of a Beatles record to skyrocket, especially if the autograph comes from George Harrison and John Lennon, since a limited number of their autographs are available.

Mistakes/Misprints: As with many collectible items, misprints and mistakes on a Beatles album makes the album a rare find, and therefore more valuable. You can often find Lennon’s and McCartney’s names spelled incorrectly.

Release Date: Beatles records that were printed in the 1960s are worth a lot of money because of their connection to the time period.

Catalog Number: Catalog numbers keep track of the number of copies that were sold. The lower the number, the rarer the copy because that means that less of that album was produced.

Provenance: The word “provenance” refers to the ownership history of an object. If someone famous once owned the record, that can cause the value to increase (especially if one of the band members was the previous owner).

Most Valuable Beatles Albums

Beatles for Sale 1965 Misprint: Released in 1964 as the fourth studio album for the Beatles, the spelling errors make this release more desirable. The value is estimated at $300.

Rubber Soul 1965 Misprint: In this misprint, the song “Norwegian Wood” is spelled “Norweigian Wood,” making it quite valuable at around $600.

Golden Discs Test Pressings: Four test pressing were made for this EP, which never actually came to fruition. These rare albums are now worth about $2,550 apiece.

Abbey Road 1969 Contract Pressing: The record production for the Beatles second to last studio album was contracted out to Decca processing plants. These vinyls have a circular impression and don’t have a G or D printed near the matrix number. They are worth around $1,700.

Our First Four 1968 Promo Album: This album featured the band’s first four singles and was part of a promotional kit sent to journalist. Due to their limited quantity, these can sell for around $4,000.

“Love Me Do”/”P.S. I Love You” 1962 Demo Single: Another promo item sent to journalists, these sell for up to $7,000.

“Til There Was You” 1963 10″ Record: This record, which was owned by band manager Brian Epstein, sold for $107,600 in 2016. Albums with connections to Epstein are quite valuable among collectors.

Yesterday and Today 1966 “Butcher” Cover: This infamous album cover featured the four band members with raw meat and plastic doll parts. A sealed copy of the album sold for $125,000 in 2016, but really any copy of this album is considered valuable.

“That’ll Be the Day”/”In Spite of All the Danger” 1958 Record: The original copy of this album is worth an estimated $170,000.

The White Album First Pressing: The first few pressings of an album tend to be more valuable, but the four pressings of this album were owned by the four band members themselves. Ringo Starr’s copy sold for a record $790,000.

How to Determine the Value of my Beatles Collectibles

The value of your Beatles memorabilia depends on a few factors. These include:

Condition of Items: Items in excellent condition will always fetch a higher price than those in poor condition.

Clarity of Markings/Signatures: Autographs always make Beatles memorabilia more valuable, especially if the autographs come from deceased members of the band.

History of Ownership (Provenance): If the collectibles were once owned by someone famous, they are worth more money. This is especially true of items once owned by band members themselves.

The Importance of Insuring Your Valuable Beatles Collectibles

If you are collecting Beatles memorabilia, you’ll want to protect it by purchasing the right insurance policy to meet your needs. Homeowner’s insurance is often not sufficient to cover valuable collections. The dollar amount of coverage is often limited, and homeowner’s often does not cover the full market value of your collection, especially if the items have appreciated in value.

Collectibles Insurance Services offers comprehensive protection designed by collectors, for collectors. Get a free quote today and ensure that you have peace of mind when it comes to your Beatles collection.

FAQs

Are Beatles collectibles a good investment?

As one of the most popular bands of all time, Beatles memorabilia can be extremely valuable. It is a great investment for collectors, especially if the items are rare or autographed.

What types of memorabilia can be insured?

Collectibles Insurance Services can insure all types of Beatles memorabilia, from vintage vinyl records to autographed collectibles. The list of what we can insure is much longer than what we can’t!

Sources

https://www.justcollecting.com/blogs/news/beatles-memorabilia-the-most-expensive-items-ever-sold

https://antiques.lovetoknow.com/collectibles/most-valuable-beatles-albums

https://www.taminoautographs.com/blogs/autograph-blog/the-beatles-memorabilia-and-merchandise-throughout-the-ages-and-around-the-world

For Garrett, collecting sports memorabilia started out as a family affair. Garrett became interested in collecting because of his dad, who was into sports cards as a kid. Garrett, his father, and Garrett’s two younger brothers started going to sports memorabilia shows when Garrett was just 8 years old. They would purchase and open packs of cards together, and Garrett’s father would teach them how to take care of their collectible cards. Garrett truly felt he was a collector when he started going to Bobby’s Sports Cards in his hometown every Saturday to add to his collection.

Today, Garrett’s collection is comprised of about 70% Michael Jordan memorabilia. He likes to collect pre-2000 playing year Michael Jordan inserts. “I’ve been a big fan since I was a young boy,” he shares. The collection is mostly sports cards, but he does have some memorabilia as well. “I have a decent sized vintage baseball collection from the 50s and 60s, which was handed down from my dad,” he explains. Besides collecting, Garrett is also interested in selling collectibles full time. He travels a lot and attends various shows, buying and selling sports collectibles.

Garrett’s collection is unique because the Michael Jordan inserts that he collects are somewhat rare. “They might pop up for sale once or twice a year,” he explains. “A lot of them are rare and locked away in collections throughout the world. If you travel to card shows, you might see a handful of them, but not too many.”

Some of Garrett’s favorite collectibles are those passed down to him by his father. “I have a 1955 Topps Robert Clemente rookie card and a Ted Williams autographed card [that he passed down to me].” He also values a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays Rookie Card (graded PSA 4), which is a key piece of sports card history since Willie is the oldest living Hall of Famer. He has a 1996-97 Fleer Metal Michael Jordan Net-Rageous BGS 9.5, which he pulled from a pack during his childhood and had graded ten years ago. He also has a 1997-98 Fleer Metal Platinum Portraits Michael Jordan BGS 9 and a 1955 Sandy Koufax rookie card.

Overall, Garrett’s collection of over 10,000 items has increased in value over the years. Many of the cards he purchased before 2016 are now worth five to ten times what he paid for them. Everything is organized by different players and grades, and the older cards are organized by year. A true collector at heart, Garrett also has a bourbon collection!

Many people have heard of the ever-popular Hummel figurines, but less people know about Hummel plates, which are not as often collected. While the first figurines were introduced in 1935, Hummel plates did not arrive on the scene until 1971.

Hummel figurines are often worth thousands, but Hummel plates are not so valuable. They range from about $10 to a couple of hundred dollars apiece.

This blog posts will discuss a brief history of Hummel plates, their value as an investment, which Hummel plates are the most valuable, and how to care for your collection.

History of Hummel Plates

First introduced in 1971, Hummel plates featured pictures with scenes of characters that look like those depicted in Hummel figurines. They were produced by Franz Goebel, who was the head of a famous porcelain company located in Rodental, Germany. This company was called W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik.

Franz Goebel based his designs off of the art of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, a Bavarian nun who was formerly known as Berta Hummel. Sister Maria honed her artistic abilities at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. Many of her designs featured the young children that are depicted on Hummel’s porcelain figurines.

In 1935, Goebel and Sister Maria entered into an agreement that enabled him to use her artwork as inspiration for his figurines. Hummel plates were introduced many years later.

Are Hummel Plates Worth the Investment?

While Hummel plates are a great collectible item for their unique designs, they are not as valuable as the famous Hummel figurines. If you are looking to collect Hummel plates, you should do so because you love the plates and their designs. They are not the best option for the collector-investor.

Identifying a Hummel Plate’s Value

Age and cosmetic condition determine the value of a Hummel plate. They are also more valuable when they come in their original packaging. Read on for a more in-depth look at each of these factors.

Age

A Hummel plate’s production year has a huge role in determining its value. The plates were made between 1971 and 1995. The year of release is indicated on the underside of the plate. Older plates are more valuable than recent plates.

Cosmetic Condition

The condition of the plate also determines its value. Here are the categories your plate could fall into:

Mint Condition: A mint condition plate comes with the original box, and both the plate and the box are in perfect condition. These bring in the highest prices on the secondary market.

Excellent Condition: A plate in excellent condition usually comes with the original box. The box may be somewhat worn, but the plate is in great condition, without cracking, stains, or discoloration.

Good Condition: A plate in good condition may not have its original box. The plate can have some discoloration, and some of the gold may have rubbed off.

Fair Condition: Usually without their original packaging, these plates have crazing, chips, and cracks. This usually has a big impact on their value.

Original Box: A Hummel plate in its original box will always bring in a higher value than one without it.

The Most Valuable and Desirable Hummel Plates

There are multiple series of Hummel plates that were released, and today they are popular with fans and collectors of the plates. Read on to learn about the different types of Hummel plates that you can collect.

Hummel Annual Plate Series

Between 1971 and 1996, Goebel released a special annual plate every year. In 2000, they continued to release five more Hummel annual plates. All the plates in the annual series are popular among collectors.

Friend Forever Plate Series

This plate series contains four unique plates, which are different then the annual series and feature a different border design on the outer edge. They are 7″ in diameter.

Four Seasons Plate Series

Designed by sculptor Helmut Fischer, this four-plate series was released between 1996 and 1999. Each plate represents a season.

Annual Hummel Christmas Plates Series

Goebel first released a Christmas plate in 1995. These plates have raised reliefs instead of a flat image.

Celebration Plate Series

This series of plates was released for club members, and was created by sculptor Gerhard Skrobek. They celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Goebel Collectors Club, which is now called the M.I. Hummel Club.

Little Music Makers Mini-Plate Series

This four-piece series of miniature plates was released between 1984 and 1987. The plates were produced in a limited run.

Little Homemakers Mini-Plate Series

This adorable miniature plate series featured images of characters taking care of their homes. They were designed by Gerhard Skrobek and were produced in a limited run.

Century Collection Miniature Plates Series

Produced between 1986 and 1999, these miniature plates featured a limited-edition M.I. Hummel figurine.

How to Authenticate Your Hummel Plate Collection

Looking to determine your Hummel plate’s authenticity? Hummel plates that were produced by Goebel should have the current trademark from the date of manufacture printed on the back of the plate in the color cobalt blue, as well as the name of the plate and the series description.

Looking to determine if the Hummel plate you are looking at is genuine? Keep an eye out for these marks:

• Goebel’s full name or the name of the series printed in a circular test design
• M.I. Hummel printed close to the center of this circular text
• The plate’s name, series descriptor, or Goebel’s full name printed above or below M.I. Hummel
• Full-sized plates should have the Goebel trademark logo and Hum Number printed below the circular text
• The mini-plates will have the Goebel TMK logo and Hum number printed above or below the center text
• Look for Hum numbers on the back of a Hummel plate. This number corresponds with the company’s catalog.

If any of these marks are missing, your Hummel plate just might be a reproduction.

How to Assess the Quality of a Rare Hummel Plate Before You Buy

When purchasing Hummel plates, whether you buy online or from estate sales or antique stores, you’ll want to purchase items that are in top condition. This means items without fading in the design or any chips or cracks.

Be sure to purchase your plates from reputable sellers! If you are buying on auction sites such as eBay, or on Etsy, you can read the reviews of the seller to ensure that they are a good seller. You’ll also want to buy plates that have a lot of good photos from all angles, as well as a descriptive listing.

Besides assessing the quality of the plate itself, you’ll want to consider whether or not the original packaging comes with the plate, as this will add to its value. Do your research and see what the same plates are selling for on other sites before you commit to a specific price.

Protecting Your Hummel Plate Collection: Best Practices for Storage and Security

To preserve the value of your Hummel plates, be sure to store them in a safe and secure location. A curio cabinet with closed glass doors is a great way to display them without leaving them open to potential accidental breakage. Having them behind closed doors also prevents them from pick up as much dust.

Why Your Hummel Plate Collection Needs More Than Homeowners Insurance to Stay Safe

Did you know that your Hummel plate collection may not be sufficiently covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance? Often, homeowner’s insurance only protects your items up to a certain dollar amount, which may not be enough coverage for valuable collectible items. What’s more is that homeowner’s often fails to cover the full market value of your collection, which means that if it has appreciated, you may not be adequately covered.

For peace of mind when it comes to your collection, be sure to get the best coverage that was designed by collectors, for collectors. Get a free quote today to get started.

FAQs

Can a broken Hummel plate be restored or repaired, and if so, does this affect the value?

Hummel plates can be repaired if they are broken, but this repair will greatly impact its value. Hummel plates with cracks, chips, or repairs are not worth as much as those in mint condition.

What is the best way to sell my Hummel plate and get the highest value?

To get the highest value for your Hummel plates, opt to sell them individually on auction sites such as eBay. If you sell to a reseller, they will offer you a lower price as they are looking to make a profit on the item. Do your research and find out what your plate is worth based on the style of the plate and its condition.

Does the rarity or condition of a Hummel plate affect its value?

Yes, the rarity and condition of a Hummel plate will affect its value. Rare plates tend to be worth more than more common styles. And condition is a huge factor contributing to a plate’s value. Also affecting the value is whether or not the plate comes with its original packaging.

Are there any Hummel plates that are not worth collecting or have no value?

Broken, chipped, or repaired Hummel plates have little value. Opt for collecting plates that are in good or mint condition and that still have their original packaging.

What should I consider before investing in a Hummel plate?

Hummel plates do not have considerable value as a collectible item, and they are not as valuable as Hummel figurines. Consider collecting the plates for the love of it, rather than viewing them as an investment.

Sources

https://www.antiques-prices.com/hummel-plates-worth-1814

https://www.truelegacyhomes.com/hummel-plates/

https://www.nonamehiding.com/rare-hummel-plates/

https://www.antique-hq.com/hummel-plates-2971/

https://antiques.lovetoknow.com/collectibles/hummel-plates-recognizing-popular-series-values

https://www.truelegacyhomes.com/hummel-plates/

Leslie’s journey with collecting began in the mid-90s. Mattel came out with a line of Barbie dolls that were connected to designers such as Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan, and Leslie found herself drawn to them. Her first purchase was a Donna Karan Barbie from Bloomingdales. It was around this time that Leslie had a daughter, so she started purchasing dolls for both herself and her daughter. She collected dolls from old movies and tv shows, such as Munsters, The Addams Family, and Grease.

Leslie really began to feel that she was a collector when she was selected to be a part of the Collector Advisory Panel at Mattel. She got to travel to their headquarters and meet designers. She also started going to conventions. Her collection really started to take off! A favorite item in her collection is the first issue of Barbie from 1959. She also loves a 6’ tall Barbie mannequin that she acquired.

Leslie’s collection is on display in her 2,000 square foot basement, and it’s so full that she’s not quite sure how many items she has total. She estimates that it is in the thousands! Besides dolls, she also owns the cars, the dream houses, doll cases, jewelry, paper dolls, and informational books. She has a lot of copies of the magazine entitled Barbie Bazaar. Everything is on display in display cases and on shelves. “During COVID, I was able to organize it more,” Leslie shares. All of the vintage items from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s are organized by year. The rest are organized by themes, such as movies, tv shows, famous women, artists, designers, and more.

Most of Leslie’s collection was purchased when the items first came out, and the value has risen significantly, partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, many took a renewed interest in collecting and the values of the dolls rose, especially the vintage ones. “Each generation wants to buy what they had as a kid. The 80s and 90s are popular now.”

Besides dolls, Leslie has always had an interest in old toys and NASCAR memorabilia. She has an entire room in her house dedicated to NASCAR items, and the walls are covered with signed memorabilia.