Obama Collectible Paper Plate -- Funny!

Had to share this with you, readers.  What a great spin on the Obama Collectible Plates!

"These exciting times of change deserve to be commemorated with an equally exciting commemorative plate collection. Introducing the President Barack Obama Inaugural Commemorative Paper Plate!! "

---- more at obamapaperplate.com

Collectible Plates for Obama are still onsale many places.  One of the best is here:  

http://www.collectiblestoday.com/ct/product/prdid-108595001.jsp  This is the one from the Bradford Exchange, it is up in price from the launch however when it was $19.99 on TV.

Grab it before it's gone.

Collectible-Plates.info

Collectible Plates new domain for this blog.  Same good information.

Collectible Plates - Why Collect Plates

There are many motivations which should lead you to collect plates for value.  One such reason is that they are available for a limited time, and usually build quite a bit of value over the years.  I have seen many plate collectors on Antiques Roadshow and they get quite a bit of money for their oldest collectible plates.  

They don't need to be commemorative plates either, a plate collector can collect such things as Japanese "Shiki" laquered plates or fine china porcelain.  Some people relegate plate collecting as kind of a joke activity, saying that we only collect such things as Elvis or Dale Earnhardt commemoratives but that is simply not the case.  Fine porcelain china though it is not a "commemorative plate" can still generate some very good value.

Whichever plates you decide to collect, be sure to give them the best care possible.  Why go through the effort of making a collection without keeping them in tip top shape?

Collectible Plates - The Major Companies

A couple of the major companies that manufacture or have manufactured collectible plates were The Franklin Mint and more currently The Bradford Exchange.  The Bradford Exchange for one sells many plates for any occasion, perfect for the collectible plate lover as a gift.

Thomas Kincaid collectible plates are also available from such sellers as Sturbridge Yankee Workshop, along with iron hangers.  As you know from my previous post: Storing your Collectible Plates I am not a fan of using this type of hanger, but they are beautiful to display if you are not collecting for value.  These plates, like his paintings, are very popular throughout America and internationally.

I don't recommend Ebay as the value of a collectible plate is hard to assess via pictures alone, and a return policy or scam protection is difficult to pursue from Ebay.  Only buy your collectible plates from a local dealer where you can SEE the flaws, if any... or better yet, buy factory sealed!

Wishing you the best!

Storing Your Collectible Plates

In order to assess the value of your collectible plates you must realize that a boxed collectible plate and/or factory sealed is a lot more valuable than plates out of the box.  If your plates are out of the box and displayed, there are some ways that you can keep your collectible plates value, though you can't increase it by simple cleaning.

Make sure that your plates are displayed in a nice cabinet and cleaned often.  A nice cabinet is one that has padding so as to not scratch your plates.  I would also recommend placing a cloth between each plate.  A wall mounted display like the ones used with Thomas Kinkade collectible plates are not only dangerous due to children, pets etc possibly destroying your plate!  Also, the friction from the holder can scratch your collectible plates and make them worthless!

If you keep these tips in mind your plate collection will stay tip top shape for years to come!

Collectible Plates

Also known as Collectors Plates, Collectible Plates have been a major industry since they first appeared on television in the 70's and 80's infomercials.  Although it is a rather small industry these days, Collectible Plates are still sold and cared for by many.  This site will help you learn how to improve the value of your collectible plates and how to assess the value of them as well.  There are many types of collectible plates the world over, from Japanese "Shiki" designs to the Dale Earnhardt Memorial we discuss every type of collectible plate here!