Heavy Metal Treasures
Cast iron skillets aren’t just kitchen workhorses—they’re hot collectibles. Vintage brands, rare sizes, and hard-to-find markings can drive skillet values way up. Collectors and home cooks alike seek out these seasoned beauties. Here are 25 cast iron skillets ranked from least to most valuable—plus a quick guide to spotting the good stuff.
Griswold No. 3 Skillet (Small Logo)
Estimated value: $50–$100
This smaller Griswold skillet features the company’s later 'small logo' and is easier to find. Still, its quality casting and reliable performance make it desirable to new collectors and home cooks.
Lodge No. 8 Skillet (1950s)
Estimated value: $60–$110
Lodge cast iron from the mid-20th century is still plentiful, but well-preserved pieces with clear markings fetch a premium. No. 8 skillets are a popular cooking size.
NMorales (WMF), Wikimedia Commons
Wapak No. 5 Skillet (Indian Head Logo)
Estimated value: $75–$125
Wapak skillets from Ohio are known for their lighter weight and detailed logos. The Indian Head version is especially eye-catching, making it a favorite among vintage cookware fans.
Favorite Piqua Ware Skillet
Estimated value: $80–$130
This Ohio-based brand produced smooth, high-quality skillets in the early 1900s. Skillets marked 'Favorite Piqua Ware' are gaining popularity due to their light weight and excellent heat retention.
My Favorite: Favorite Piqua Ware cast iron skillet, Rayo_Rob_No.17
Griswold No. 6 Skillet (Erie, PA)
Estimated value: $90–$140
This skillet with the 'Griswold' and 'Erie, PA' marks was made before 1957. It’s the perfect size for everyday use, and collectors love the clear lettering and even cooking surface.
Griswold large block logo cast iron skillet no. 6, Griswold Cookware
Birmingham Stove & Range 'Red Mountain'
Estimated value: $100–$160
BSR pieces are sometimes overlooked, but the Red Mountain series offers excellent quality and is starting to climb in value, especially in rust-free, ready-to-use condition.
A Birmingham Stove & Range Red Mountain #14 Cast Iron Skillet, Cast Iron Chaos
Wagner Ware Sidney -O- No. 3
Estimated value: $110–$175
Wagner skillets are celebrated for their ultra-smooth interiors. Smaller sizes like the No. 3 are great for eggs and sauces, and they remain popular among modern cooks.
restoration of a cast iron skillet wagner ware #3, supersquirrel379
Erie No. 7 (Pre-Griswold)
Estimated value: $120–$190
Made before Griswold adopted the Erie brand, this early skillet offers collectors a peek into 19th-century cast iron. Look for thinner walls and bold, old-style lettering.
Goodwill Vintage Cast Iron Skillet Find - Griswold No 7 Pan, Yummy in my Tummy
Martin Stove & Range Skillet
Estimated value: $130–$200
This Alabama brand made beautiful and rare cast iron before closing in the 1950s. Collectors appreciate the clean lines and regional charm of Martin skillets.
Martin Stove & Range, Monday Morning Skillet, Cast Iron Cookware
Griswold Slant Logo No. 8
Estimated value: $150–$220
The 'slant logo' version was made in the early 1900s and features elegant script across the bottom. These are considered entry-level gems for Griswold enthusiasts.
Griswold slant logo ERIE cast iron skillet no. 8, pn 724 L, Griswold Cookware
Wapak Arc Logo Skillet
Estimated value: $175–$250
This rarer Wapak logo features the company name in an arch across the bottom. Collectors appreciate its vintage flair and smooth finish.
Wagner Ware Sidney -O- No. 9
Estimated value: $200–$275
The larger No. 9 size is less common and in high demand for collectors who want both function and form. It’s an excellent skillet for family meals or display.
WagnerWare Cast Iron: Comparing Two No. 9 Griddles of different Eras, Luis J. Cast Iron Cooking
Griswold No. 9 Large Block Logo
Estimated value: $225–$300
The 'large block' logo on this skillet dates it to the early-mid 20th century. These were well-cast and polished smooth, making them a favorite for everyday use.
Griswold large block logo no. 9 cast iron skillet, Griswold Cookware
Griswold No. 10 Slant Logo
Estimated value: $250–$325
A step up in both size and value, the No. 10 slant logo Griswold is known for even heat distribution and elegant styling. Collectors pay a premium for well-maintained pieces.
Griswold slant logo ERIE skillet no. 10 w heat ring, Griswold Cookware
Erie Spider Skillet
Estimated value: $275–$375
One of the earliest and most sought-after skillets from Erie, Pennsylvania, this piece has a small spider logo and is considered a grail for cast iron collectors.
Erie Spider Skillet!, Orphaned Iron
Griswold No. 12 Large Block Logo
Estimated value: $300–$425
Big and bold, the No. 12 skillet is ideal for large meals. The large block logo version is well-balanced and continues to rise in value, especially when the markings are clean.
Griswold no. 12 large block logo w heat ring, Griswold Cookware
Wagner Sidney Arc Logo (Unmarked Ghost Mark)
Estimated value: $350–$500
These mysterious skillets may lack visible branding, but show ghosted outlines of the original logo. Wagner collectors seek these rare, smooth pans out for both display and use.
Griswold No. 13 Skillet
Estimated value: $400–$600
This skillet’s lucky number comes with a big price tag. It’s oversized, well-cast, and somewhat rare. Restored examples with clear logos can hit big numbers at auction.
Griswold no. 13 Dutch oven at auction. Brought the highest price - $2700., Griswold Cookware
Wapak Indian Head No. 9
Estimated value: $425–$650
Larger Wapak skillets with the Indian Head logo are more difficult to find in good shape. Their detailed casting and old-school flair make them hot commodities.
Wapak Indian head medallion cast iron skillet no. 9, Griswold Cookware
Erie No. 11 Pre-Griswold
Estimated value: $450–$700
One of the larger Erie pans from before the Griswold transition, this skillet is appreciated for its smooth cooking surface and early American craftsmanship.
Griswold No. 14 Slant Logo
Estimated value: $600–$850
Massive and elegant, the No. 14 slant logo skillet is a standout. It’s highly collectible and also highly useful, especially for those who love to cook big.
Griswold Skillet #14, Griswold Cookware
Wagner Magnalite Cast Aluminum Skillet
Estimated value: $700–$900
Though not technically cast iron, this skillet is often grouped with cast metal cookware. Its unique design and aluminum construction have made it surprisingly valuable.
Griswold No. 20 Hotel Skillet
Estimated value: $900–$1,300
This behemoth of a skillet was made for hotels and commercial kitchens. With a 20-inch diameter and heavy-duty construction, it’s rare, massive, and priced accordingly.
How Much This 20 Griswold Skillet Sold For ?, Craigslist Hunter
Erie No. 8 Spider Skillet
Estimated value: $1,000–$1,500
Even rarer than the earlier Erie spider skillets, this version features a detailed design and limited production run. It’s the kind of pan collectors dream of finding.
Griswold No. 13 Slant Logo
Estimated value: $1,200–$2,000
The Griswold No. 13 slant logo skillet is one of the most sought-after pieces on the market. Its huge size, historic logo, and rarity make it the top prize in many collections.
How to Identify Valuable Vintage Cast Iron
Look for clear maker’s marks, smooth interiors, and older casting styles. Pans marked 'Erie,' 'Griswold,' or 'Wagner' are top-tier, especially with large or slanted logos. Avoid heavy pitting or modern bumpy finishes. Older pans often have a lighter feel and polished cooking surface. Check for number stamps and rare logos like the Erie spider—those tend to bring in the highest prices.
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