Check Your Cabinets: These Vintage Plates Could Be Worth Big Money

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10 Vintage Plates That Are Actually Worth a Small Fortune Today (financebuzz.com)

Dust Off Those Dinner Plates! Your Vintage China Could Be a Hidden Treasure

Ever wondered if those fancy plates tucked away in your dining room cabinet or brought out only for special occasions are worth more than just sentimental value? You might be surprised! For savvy collectors, vintage dinnerware can fetch a pretty penny on the resale market, especially if it’s handmade, a special edition, or simply rare.

Ready to turn your forgotten china into extra cash? Here are 10 types of vintage plates that could be worth a small fortune:

1. Japanese Kutani Plates

The exquisite pottery and porcelain from Japan’s Kutani region have long been prized by collectors. The value of these pieces can vary widely based on their age and intricate designs. Some centuries-old Kutani plates have sold for thousands, with a 17th-century blue-figured plate currently listed online for nearly $1,400.

2. Tiffany & Co. Plates

While Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with luxurious jewelry, their dinnerware can also be a goldmine! Though their gold and silver plates have commanded thousands at auction, their more common bone china dinnerware often sells for significant sums. A festive holiday plate adorned with red ribbon and holly, for instance, recently had a price tag of $339.

3. Chinese Kangxi Plates

Dishes from China’s Kangxi period (1661-1722), a golden age for the country’s porcelain production, are highly sought after by collectors. A plate featuring the era’s iconic blue designs is currently listed for nearly $1,000, and antique Kangxi plates in good condition have sold for even more.

4. Meissen Plates

German manufacturer Meissen’s vintage plates can be quite valuable, depending on their age, artistry, and condition. A stunning 1930s plate with gold gilding and hand-painted flowers is currently listed for $900. To identify a Meissen piece, look for their signature two-swords stamp on the back.

5. Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Plates

Flora Danica has been crafting intricate floral and botanical dishware since the 1700s. Collectors are known to invest heavily in older pieces, even individual ones. A 19th-century, 9-inch lunch plate with gold trim and a blue pastel floral design recently garnered a listing price of nearly $900.

6. Sèvres Plates

Any vintage plate from French manufacturer Sèvres could be worth a good chunk of change, though some pieces are more valuable than others. An antique 1771 plate depicting a cherub and nymph is currently listed for almost $400. Always check for the Sèvres marking on the back to authenticate your finds.

7. Minton Dinner Plates

No longer in production, Minton plates from the historic British manufacturer can fetch a significant amount on the resale market, especially unique printings or complete sets. A set of six antique plates with exquisite turquoise and gold trim is listed for $1,125. Even with minor imperfections, Minton sets can be quite valuable.

8. Moorcroft Pottery Plates

Plates designed by UK artist Moorcroft are highly desirable, particularly those from the early 20th century. These plates often feature delicate hibiscus, pomegranate, and other botanical patterns. A 1925 plate with a blue and green “moonlit” tree design is currently listed for nearly $900.

9. Spode Plates

While Spode plates are still produced today, certain collections, such as their popular holiday-themed and “Blue Italian” items, tend to hold their value on the resale market. Spode sets and specialty plates are regularly listed for hundreds, making them a good option for quick cash.

10. Lenox Fountain Pattern Plates

Lenox has been in business for over a century, and while you can still buy new pieces, some vintage patterns, especially from their Fountain collection, can be worth thousands at auction. Created in the first half of the 20th century, these plates, with their blue trim and subtle fountain design, can be a serious find. Even a single dinner plate from this collection is currently listed for nearly $120.

The Bottom Line

Collecting rare and valuable porcelain can be a rewarding hobby, a smart investment, or a bit of both. You might be surprised by the treasures hiding in your own home or at your local thrift store. Before you dive in, familiarize yourself with the marks of these sought-after designers, and remember that newer products may not have the same resale value.

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