I’m a collectibles expert – the coronation merch that could be worth a fortune and what NOT to waste money on
BRITS shouldn’t waste their cash on souvenirs commemorating the King’s coronation as they won’t be worth much in years to come, experts have warned.
Collectible plates, coins, tea towels, biscuit tins and crystal glasses won’t fetch much more than they do now because they’re so common, according to the top memorabilia dealers.
Just about anybody can get their hands on the items today – and everybody has the same idea of trying to flog them once Charles, 74, passes away.
If people really want to boost their chances of making a small fortune, they should focus on one-of-a-kind pieces – plus anything directly from the Westminster Abbey service on May 6, specialists say.
The monarch’s signature is also worth a pretty penny, which will likely only increase after his reign.
Orders of Service from the coronation are the most likely items to increase in value.
James Grinter, managing director at Reeman Dansie Ltd, recently sold an order of service from the Queen’s coronation, signed by her and other family members, for £5,000.
He said: “An order of service from Charles’ coronation might be worth a few hundred pounds in years to come.
“The coronation is limited to 2,000 people, so orders of service will be quite sought after, as will anything touched by a member of the Royal Family.”
Daniel Wade, manager at Paul Fraser Collectibles, which has the world’s largest private stockholding, said orders of service could be worth £150 in 20 years.
He added: “Depending on how many are printed, you could probably expect to sell one and ticket stub for a combined £100 to 150 in 20 years from now, assuming Charles remains well thought of.”
He said collectibles won’t be worth much in years to come.
He added: “Commemorative items like coins and plates are made in large numbers, even so-called limited edition pieces, and everyone has the same idea – ‘we’re going to hold on to these, keep them in A1 condition, and sell them when he dies’.”
Instead, Brits should be looking for items closely connected to the coronation that aren’t widely available for sale.
“Your best bet are items you can’t buy that are closely connected with the coronation, such as genuine orders of service, or handwritten invites or ‘thank you’ notes from Charles,” he added.
“These will emerge slowly in the months and years after the coronation.
“If an item is touched, used or worn by a member of the Royal Family, then it will also be worth something.”
Daniel suggested that for people wanting to invest in something away from the coronation, he would advise going for a Christmas card signed by members of the Firm.
“That would be a good option, but make sure it’s not digital,” he added.
Better still would be to get an item with the King’s new signature.
Daniel said: “Things with Charles’ autograph were selling for about £200 before he became king, but now items have a price tag of more than £1,000.
“There is a lot of goodwill towards him and the coronation will only help cement demand for his signature.
“Rarity will become an even greater factor for Charles than Elizabeth II. He has inherited the throne at the age of 73 so his reign will naturally be far shorter than that of his mother.
“And so the number of signatures he’ll produce as King – with his new official signature, ‘Charles R’ – will be far smaller.”
Expert appraiser Valerie Hammond, from Value My Stuff, also warned royal fans to avoid buying souvenirs that are made in China.
She added: “Typical souvenir items made in China and sold in typical souvenir shops and stalls will not likely gain any substantial value.”
She agreed orders of service in good condition, “meaning no tears, creases, stains or folds”, could gain in value.
“An original order of service for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11 can range in cost from under £20, to several hundreds of pounds.
“The funeral order of service is now selling for £10-15 online. The demand and values are not high enough to warrant buying up lots of items.”
But even these could take 100 years to gain in value unless there’s “abdication, untimely death or unforeseen circumstances which change the line of succession”.