Starbucks Coffee Mugs Can be Hot
Micro Category Cheats for Finding Value
Starbucks, an Amped Up Micro-Category
When I started researching coffee mugs for a post I quickly realized that it’s a bigger yet more specialized category than I realized.
They are donated to thrift stores in abundance so there are a lot of choices. Some are worth a lot more than the fifty cents to a dollar that most are sold for. It’s an easy category to get 10X and occasionally 100X more than typical thrift store prices.
It turns out that Starbucks is an entire genre of collected coffee mugs. (A micro, micro category?) With over 31,000 locations in 82 countries, they show no sign of slowing down.
Don’t you wish you had a Coke bottle from 1899, or even 1950?
Knowing a few simple things and you can find the value that others miss. A surprising number of these sell for hundreds of dollars, it is super easy to find designs that sell for twenty dollars or more.
What You Need to Know:
Like any collectible, condition, rarity, and design are keys. For reasons that aren't always obvious, value of similar items in the same series can vary widely.
Unusual sizes seem to have a bigger chance of having extra value.
Starbucks mugs in particular are worth investigating individually.
Starbucks has released several coffee mug series over the years. Many collectors focus on specific series or themes to create a cohesive collection.
Skyline Series: Introduced in 1994: This series of coffee mugs feature designs that are associated with specific cities or regions. Each mug is decorated with iconic landmarks, symbols, and images that represent the location's skyline.
Some of the cities featured in the Starbucks Skyline Series include:
Seattle, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas, Miami, Toronto, Tokyo, London
Holiday Series: Introduced in the early 2000s. Starbucks has released a new collection of holiday-themed mugs, cups, and tumblers each year, featuring both classic and modern designs. The holiday collection is typically released in early November and is available for a limited time only. They are also popular as holiday home party decor.
Icon Series: Introduced in 2008. This series features designs that are inspired by the culture and history of different countries. Each mug is decorated with iconic symbols, images, and landmarks that represent the country. For example, the Japan mug features a design inspired by cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, while the Greece mug features a design inspired by the Parthenon and other ancient Greek landmarks.
Global Icon Series: Introduced in 2009. This series features designs that are associated with different regions around the world. Each mug is decorated with symbols, images, and landmarks that represent the location, such as the Eiffel Tower for Paris or the Opera House for Sydney.
You Are Here Collection: Introduced in 2011. This series features designs that are associated with specific cities or regions. Each mug is decorated with iconic landmarks, symbols, and images that represent the location. For example, the Seattle mug features the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and other Seattle landmarks, while the London mug features Big Ben, the London Eye, and other famous London landmarks.
Anniversary Collection: Introduced in 2012. This series celebrates Starbucks' anniversary with special designs that are inspired by the company's history and culture. Each mug features a unique design that represents a different aspect of Starbucks, such as the original Starbucks logo or the company's commitment to sustainability.
Disney Parks Collection: Introduced in 2015. This series features designs that are inspired by Disney characters and themes. Each mug is decorated with images of beloved Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, or Donald. These are popular with Disney collectors as well as Starbucks Collectors.
Relief Series: Introduced in 2016. This series features designs that are inspired by the landscape and natural beauty of different regions. Each mug is decorated with intricate relief patterns that represent the mountains, valleys, and other natural features of the location. For example, the Colorado mug features a relief pattern of the Rocky Mountains, while the California mug features a relief pattern of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Been There Series: Introduced in 2018. Similar to the You Are Here Collection, the Been There Series also features designs that are associated with specific cities or regions. However, this series is designed for travelers and features more subtle, abstract designs. such as palm trees for Hawaii or cowboy hats for Texas.
Overall, each Starbucks coffee mug series has a unique theme and design that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Travel, history, culture, or just love coffee, the mystique of Starbucks coupled with themes is a sure winner when looking for value in micro categories.
Holy Grail Starbucks Mugs:
2016 Giant Abbey Coffee Mug, gallon capacity. Can sell for $500
Skyline Series, Giant edition. One to 2.5-gallon capacity, huge! Done for several cities. Very hard to find. Can sell for $500
The 50th Anniversary Epcot Disney edition can sell for $50 to $200 and may grow in value more than most in the coming years.
Amore clear glass mug, 1999. So rare it’s hard to put a price on them. One is for sale for $1,000 on eBay as of this writing.
New in the box always adds extra value, snatch them up when you can.
What Makes These Coffee Mugs Collectable?
Collectors often look for coffee mugs that are unique, rare or have historical significance. Here are some factors that can make a coffee mug collectible:
Condition: Mugs that are in good condition with no cracks or chips are more valuable.
Rarity: Mugs that were produced in limited quantities or are no longer in production are more valuable.
Design: Mugs with unique or intricate designs, patterns, or logos are more valuable.
Original packaging: Even the condition of the box makes a difference. Original price tags can be a plus.
A Little Starbucks History:
The company was founded in 1971 by three partners: Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, who met while attending the University of San Francisco. The trio was inspired by Alfred Peet, a coffee roaster and entrepreneur who introduced them to the world of high-quality coffee.
In the early years, Starbucks only sold coffee beans and coffee-making equipment, but in 1984, the first Starbucks café was opened in Seattle's Pike Place Market. The company quickly became known for its high-quality coffee and unique café experience.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Starbucks experienced rapid growth, opening new locations across the United States and internationally. The company went public in 1992, and become a global brand with thousands of locations around the world.
Overall, Starbucks remains one of the most recognizable and widely respected brands in the world.
Thanks for reading!
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