Dust Off These Plates—They're Worth a Pretty Penny
They were once holiday gifts, magazine ads, and cabinet clutter—but now, some collector plates are climbing in value. While most plates aren’t worth much, a select few have become surprising treasures due to rarity, limited runs, artist signatures, and condition. From $25 to over a thousand, if you’ve got boxes of decorative plates in storage, it’s time to take a second look.
Norman Rockwell’s “The Ship Builder” by Knowles
Estimated value: $25
This 1980s plate was part of Knowles’ Rockwell series. While mass-produced, it still holds some value—especially if it comes with the original certificate of authenticity and box. Collectors of Americana and Rockwell fans keep this one in circulation.
Underwood & Underwood, Wikimedia Commons
Avon “Mother’s Day” Plate (1974)
Estimated value: $30
This early edition Avon plate has sentimental value for collectors of Mother’s Day memorabilia. While later editions lost popularity, the first release with gold trim and floral design still holds value when in pristine condition.
Mary L. Gow, Wikimedia Commons
Bradford Exchange “Gone with the Wind” Plate
Estimated value: $35
Plates featuring iconic scenes from Gone with the Wind continue to draw interest. This particular plate, part of a 1980s Bradford Exchange series, is collectible for its vivid illustration of Scarlett and Rhett, especially if part of a complete set.
“The Beatles” Danbury Mint Plate
Estimated value: $40
These plates were produced in limited runs in the late ‘80s, and fans of The Beatles still seek them out. Plates featuring all four band members in bright pop art styles tend to hold higher value.
Bernard Gotfryd, Wikimedia Commons
Currier and Ives Blue Willow Plate
Estimated value: $45
Though many were made, original Currier and Ives plates with the Blue Willow design—especially older ones from the 1950s—are nostalgic staples. Their consistent pattern and historic Americana vibe make them stand out to traditional collectors.
Churchill Currier & Ives Harvest Time Blue And White China Dinner Plate, Vintage Farmhouse Antiques
Royal Doulton “The Jester” Character Plate
Estimated value: $50
Royal Doulton's character plates were part of their famous English series. “The Jester” remains popular due to its expressive face and historical flair. Mint condition plates with a clear backstamp tend to sell higher.
Possibly Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen, Wikimedia Commons
Hamilton Collection “Wizard of Oz” Collector Plate
Estimated value: $55
Released in the 1990s, this colorful plate series featuring Dorothy and friends holds sentimental and pop culture value. The rarer plates that include the Wicked Witch or Emerald City tend to command better prices.
Warner Bros., The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Franklin Mint “Princess Diana Tribute Plate”
Estimated value: $60
After Diana’s passing, Franklin Mint issued a series of tribute plates. While many were purchased as keepsakes, those still in their original boxes with certificates have become desirable for royal memorabilia collectors.
Norman Rockwell “The Toymaker” Christmas Plate
Estimated value: $70
This holiday-themed Rockwell plate was limited in release and continues to be a favorite due to its heartwarming imagery. Mint condition examples with boxes are especially valuable during the holiday season.
Gilbert Scott Wright (24 July 1880 – 1958), Wikimedia Commons
Wedgwood Jasperware Portrait Plate
Estimated value: $80
These blue and white portrait plates are prized by classical collectors. Older editions from the 1950s and earlier—especially if depicting historical figures or Greek motifs—tend to perform well on the secondary market.
Collector Time: Wedgewood Ceramics, TCTV
Royal Copenhagen “Christmas Eve” Plate (1968)
Estimated value: $90
Royal Copenhagen's annual Christmas plates have a big following. The 1968 edition, featuring a cozy winter scene, has become one of the more valuable entries in the long-running series.
How to Display Your Danish Christmas Plates, AntiqueCupboard
Bing & Grøndahl “Seagull” Series Plate
Estimated value: $100
These Danish plates have a simple, elegant seagull design and were popular in Scandinavian homes. Older editions from the mid-20th century in perfect condition now command surprising prices.
“Star Wars: A New Hope” Collector Plate by C.I.
Estimated value: $110
Plates featuring scenes from the original Star Wars trilogy, especially licensed ones from the ‘80s, are hot among fans. This specific plate features Luke and Leia in action, making it a sci-fi favorite.
Star Wars Trilogy 1993 Collection Complete Set of 3 By Hamilton, The Collectors Zone
Wedgwood “Queen’s Golden Jubilee” Plate
Estimated value: $125
Commemorative plates for royal events don’t always gain value, but this 2002 Jubilee release did. It’s a favorite among royal collectors, especially when complete with its certificate and original packaging.
Donald McKague, Wikimedia Commons
Royal Doulton “The Falconer” Plate
Estimated value: $150
Part of a limited English hunting series, this plate features exceptional detail and a rich glaze. Discontinued in the ‘70s, it’s become a favorite among traditional plate collectors and those interested in English sporting art.
Edoardo Gioja (1862-1937, Italian), Wikimedia Commons
“Gone with the Wind – Scarlett’s Return” by Hamilton
Estimated value: $175
This plate is one of the rarer entries in the Hamilton Gone with the Wind collection. The intricate artwork and emotional theme have helped it climb in value—especially when paired with other plates in the series.
“The Last Supper” by The Bradford Exchange
Estimated value: $200
Plates featuring religious themes like The Last Supper are often mass-produced, but limited artist-signed editions from the 1980s and earlier can sell for impressive amounts, particularly in unopened condition.
Leonardo da Vinci, Wikimedia Commons
Rockwell’s “Waiting on the Shore” (Marine Series)
Estimated value: $225
This limited edition marine-themed plate by Rockwell combines nostalgia with nautical themes. Because fewer were released compared to other Rockwell plates, collectors prize them for their rarity.
Bob Embleton, Wikimedia Commons
Royal Copenhagen “The Little Mermaid” Plate (1950s)
Estimated value: $250
This mid-century plate features Copenhagen’s iconic statue. Because of its limited production run and local appeal, it has become a must-have for serious collectors of Danish porcelain.
Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D., Wikimedia Commons
Knowles “The Sound of Music” Collector Plate
Estimated value: $275
These 1980s plates feature scenes from the beloved musical. The most valuable editions were part of a limited-number release, especially those showing the Von Trapp family in full. Boxes and paperwork increase value significantly.
The Sound of Music, 20th Century Fox
Pickard Studio Hand-Painted Plate (1910s)
Estimated value: $300
Pickard plates were hand-painted in the U.S. and are known for gold trim and floral motifs. Plates signed by known artists or in Art Nouveau styles are especially sought after. Condition is key.
Rabbi Mendl, Wikimedia Commons
Franklin Mint “Apollo 11 Moon Landing” Plate
Estimated value: $350
Released to honor the first moon landing, this plate features Neil Armstrong’s footprint and lunar imagery. Collectors of space memorabilia keep values high—especially for mint condition plates from the original issue.
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Flickr
Royal Doulton “Shakespeare’s Characters” Limited Plate
Estimated value: $400
This hand-numbered plate features multiple characters from Shakespeare’s plays and was issued in a small batch in the 1970s. The combination of literary and artistic value makes it a rare gem today.
Royal doulton Plates Shakespeare 1920's Romeo Hamlet, Strathroy Antique Mall
Royal Worcester “Queen Elizabeth II Coronation” Plate (1953)
Estimated value: $450
This plate was produced in 1953 to honor Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. Because it marked such a historic moment, and few were produced in this particular style, it’s now a collector’s prize—especially in pristine condition.
Cecil Beaton, Wikimedia Commons
Doulton Burslem “Pate-sur-Pate” Portrait Plate (1890s)
Estimated value: $1,000+
These Victorian-era plates are true works of art. Featuring raised, hand-carved figures and exquisite craftsmanship, they’re extremely rare. Plates in mint condition with full backstamps and original provenance can fetch four figures or more at auction.
Foto: Wschmock (1210b), Wikimedia Commons
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