What Are My Collectibles Worth?

For generations, people have collected items that were considered to be “collectibles,” with plans that they would become more valuable with age. The homes of Baby Boomers are filled with them. As people are now trying to cash in on their collectives, they are finding their value has not increased as expected, leaving them to wonder, “What are my collectibles worth?”

Time was, creating collections would have been a good plan. However, today’s younger generations are going more minimalist, and have little to no interest in them. That means the collectibles’ worth is much lower than expected. In some cases, there may not be anything but sentimental value left.

Here are some of the more common collectibles markets and their current worth:

Figurines

Hummel figurines were immensely popular at the end of World War II, as the soldiers stationed in West Germany began sending them home as gifts and souvenirs, and after the figures began to be sold by the Army PX system. In addition to the traditional M.I. Hummel figurines, special limited editions also became popular for collecting. Once sold at a handsome price—often hundreds of dollars—they can be worth far less. The same fate has befallen the once-popular Precious Moments figurines. Other than the “Original 21” that are considered to be “vintage,” they are also greatly discounted.

China Patterns

Owning a set of fine china was once a status symbol among families, and acquiring a full set was quite the investment. Some of the more popular china patterns included Wedgwood, Lenox and Royal Copenhagen. Now, you can find full china sets at thrift stores and estate sales for as little as $200 typically. Other than for family nostalgia, they are often unwanted by modern generations.

Longaberger Baskets

Collecting Longaberger baskets was once the rage, but after sales declined, the company closed its doors in 2018. In 2019, the company was acquired by Xcel Brands and the brand was relaunched, but without the provenance it formerly had. Once sold at more than $100, Longaberger baskets are often sold for $10 or less at thrift stores and yard sales.

Miscellaneous Collectibles

You still can see advertisements from companies like the Bradford Exchange and Franklin Mint selling commemoratives and coins. Yet, like the other collectible markets, the value of these items has not increased as originally forecast.

There are Still Collectibles with Great Worth

Yet with collectibles markets down, there are still treasures to be found. You’ve certainly seen them revealed—often to the surprise of the owner—on TV shows like Antiques Roadshow. Rare items and specific characteristics can certainly add to an item’s value. Before disposing of an item, check its label, name and identification marks. What your collectibles are worth still may be high, depending upon market demand.

Your Collectibles are Worth Sharing With Others. Please Donate.

At 123JUNK, we collect more than junk. Homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland often entrust us with their high-end furnishings and collectibles like unused sets of china to donate them to places where their value can be put to good use. It’s part of our Donate-Recycle-Dispose process.

When you have items that you know have worth and are in good condition, but you no longer want or need them, consider donating them to one of our charitable partners. There, they will be issued to families in need or sold to raise funds for local charity programs.

Many families don’t want to deal with the hassle of an estate or yard sale, the time and effort of delivering items themselves to a charity, or the convolutions of selling these items online, so they call 123JUNK.

We carefully load your donated items into our big red truck and safely deliver them to the charity partners with which we are affiliated. We also provide you with a receipt of your donation for tax purposes.

Even though your family’s collectibles’ worth may not be what is was expected when originally purchased, these items still have great value in your local community. Consider donating them through 123JUNK.

For donations and other junk removal, contact 123JUNK.