With the coronation of King Charles fast approaching, a range of memorabilia, souvenirs and collectables to commemorate the big day are available to shop. But how much will these pieces be worth in the future? We spoke to antique dealers and experts to find out.
To celebrate the upcoming coronation on Saturday, May 6, several retailers have released limited edition memorabilia, gifts and souvenirs - from Fortnum & Mason to Marks and Spencer. While some of these items are mass-produced and not likely to fetch much money in the future, some of the best King Charles coronation memorabilia is expected to be worth something in the years ahead. But how can you determine what's worth investing in and what's not?
To help you shop, we spoke to antique dealers and consultants, asking them their top tips for purchasing potentially valuable memorabilia.
How to shop for coronation memorabilia and souvenirs, according to antique experts
While most will be buying coronation memorabilia simply to mark the day or to inject a bit of patriotic flair into their home, some coronation decorations, memorabilia and souvenirs will be worth something in the future. If you're looking to invest in a collectible item, follow these tips when shopping:
1. Look for rare and limited edition pieces
It may sound obvious, but the rarer an item is, the higher the value and the interest in buying and collecting it will be. While plenty of retailers are currently offering a selection of coronation mugs, for example, they will more often than not be mass-produced in a large collection, rather than limited edition, very rare pieces. Stephanie Connell, antique dealer and consultant, tells woman&home that “anything unusual, such as rare coronation mugs, or directly from the Royal family - such as signed presentation photographs - have been increasing in demand in recent years.”
While this sort of memorabilia can be harder to get your hands on, it may be worth the research and investment to purchase a piece that will increase in value in the future. “Unusual and collectable makers can prove valuable”, Connell adds, telling us that “Swansea pottery mugs celebrating the coronation of Queen Victoria, for example, can fetch over £500 at auction.”
2. Invest in quality pieces
In order to find some truly rare coronation memorabilia, souvenirs and collectables which may hold value in the future, Connell explains that “the best advice is to keep an eye out for good design and craftsmanship." Echoing this sentiment that researching your purchase is integral, antique dealer Nicholas Wells adds, "it’s best to look for items that are in good condition and have a clear provenance.” In other words, always ask the seller/dealer about the history and origin of the piece, and make sure you have as much information as possible before purchasing.
Wells continues that “the value of these items can vary greatly depending on factors such as their age, condition, rarity, and historical significance. It’s important to do thorough research to determine the potential value of specific items, and if you are prepared to hold onto them for the long term.”
Remember, these pieces won't increase in value overnight so think about them as a long-term investment. With that in mind, thoroughly research the pieces first, looking at the materials, and the seller. Also think about how you're likely to store it - and how it will hold up over time.
3. Choose your timing wisely
While most people will be searching for coronation memorabilia in the lead-up to the big day, it’s important to note that prices and value will fluctuate depending on when the piece is bought. “Some collectors and experts suggest that it may be better to wait until after the coronation to buy memorabilia, as prices could potentially drop due to a decrease in demand”, says Wells. This could be especially true if there is a surplus of memorabilia produced for the event, and collectors may be looking to sell their items after the initial excitement has died down.”
If you are planning on waiting until after the coronation to invest in memorabilia, Wells notes that “prices may be higher leading up to the anniversary of the coronation or during significant milestones, so you may find better deals during off-peak times.” However, he adds that this really is a case-by-case situation: “Some collectors may prefer to buy memorabilia in the run-up to the coronation, where the excitement is high. Limited edition and special commemorative items may be released at this time, and they could potentially increase in value over time, especially if they become sought-after by collectors.”
Which pieces of royal memorabilia are valuable?
While it’s hard to say which items of royal memorabilia will become valuable in the future, our experts say there are certain things to look out for. “Official programs, commemorative coins, commemorative plates, photographs and other souvenirs related to the coronation ceremony” will likely prove valuable, says Wells. Indeed, the Royal Mint coronation coins, released on Monday, April 24, are a good example of a limited edition, commemorative piece that could become very valuable in the future.
Connell agrees, adding that “the pieces which tend to be particularly collectable and valuable are those closely relating to the Royal family - objects owned by them or directly reflecting their history.” Again, the rarer the piece, the more value it’s likely to hold: Wells reiterates that “collecting mass-produced items will not yield returns!”
Where to buy royal memorabilia that will hold its value
When it comes to shopping for rare coronation memorabilia, shopping in person is the way to go. Wells suggests “visiting antique centers and markets” as it’s a “great way to discover unique and valuable coronation memorabilia. These places often have a wide range of items available, and you may be able to find something truly special that you wouldn’t have come across online.” Wells adds that the “first stop to track down some interesting Royal memorabilia must surely be Windsor! Make a day of it and visit the antique centers in Hungerford, Tetbury, Burford and more.”
Connell notes that “if you want to start with collectable commemorative ware, your local antique shop would be a great place to start - most centers will have pieces in stock. We are very fortunate in the UK to have fantastic antique shops in every region." That’s not to say that rare memorabilia can’t be found online, though, as Connell adds: “If you’re browsing online, Etsy can also be another good place to look for commemorative ware - just always make sure you ask for information about the condition.”
