Unintentionally Minted Trinkets: Purposeful Collector's Items from China

In the world of collectibles, china plates have long held a special place, particularly those focused on Christmas themes, such as the iconic "The Snowman" by Royal Copenhagen, which was released in 1985. But what about those who inherit a collection and find themselves asking, "What should I do with these?"

The value of collectible china plates can vary significantly. Nature-themed plates from the early 20th century and those appealing to specific interest groups, like Star Wars, may fetch more, but rarely exceed $100. However, it's important to note that the majority of mass-market collector plates sell for well under $10 each.

The history of collectible china plates can be traced back to the 18th century, when Europeans mastered the secret of creating porcelain and began producing their own decorated plates. During the heyday of the painted plate (1880-1920), manufacturers employed a multitude of women to paint plates. As demand grew, artists moved from freehand painting to stencils, speeding up production and ensuring uniformity of design.

Famous names in the porcelain plate parade include Royal Copenhagen, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Hummel, and brands like the Bradford Exchange, Danbury Mint, and Franklin (Mint) Porcelain. Bing and Grondahl's "Behind the Frozen Window," released in 1895, was an early example of a limited-edition collectible china plate.

Collectible china plates cover a wide range of themes, from beloved artists and birds of the world to scenes from The Sound of Music. A 1976 United States Bicentennial plate, featuring Betsy Ross, is an example of a collectible with a historical theme.

If you find yourself in possession of a collection of collectibles, created with the intention of being collected, often referred to as the "stuff," the question of what to do with them arises. Reselling may not result in getting back the original purchase price, but there are other options.

Donating collectible china plates to a charitable resale source is a worthwhile option, especially if the plates have sentimental value. Alternatively, they could mean something to your kids or grandkids, making them worth keeping.

For those interested in learning more about collectible china plates, Donald-Brian Johnson, co-author of numerous Schiffer books on design and collectibles, including "Postwar Pop," can be reached at [email protected].

In the end, the value of collectible china plates lies not only in their monetary worth but also in the stories they tell and the memories they evoke.