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?