14 China Patterns That Are Worth a Small Fortune (And How to Spot Them)

Did you know that the china gathering dust in your cabinets and hidden away in your attic could just make you a pretty penny?

Like other collectibles, there are rare and discontinued patterns, specific details, and colors that could make you some money off of your old dinnerware.

This year, you could earn extra money by identifying and selling any of your china with these 14 patterns.

1. Tiffany Le Tallec Cirque Chinois

silkar-64/Courtesy of eBay

Tiffany’s “Cirque Chinois” design is particularly striking, with the brightly colored dragons, structures, greenery, and people it depicts. This design was in production from 1906 until 1991. The rarity of each piece makes them a high-ticket item.

Single dinner plates from this line are valued at $1,600. A couple of three-piece tea sets are currently listed for $8,250.

2. Bernardaud Limoges Chenonceaux Cobalt

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Bernardaud Limoges Chenonceaux Cobalt dinnerware is gorgeous. If you can get your hands on a dinner plate, it could be worth around $1,600.

A set of three teacups and saucers – particularly striking for how they meet in the middle with white porcelain – goes for around $1,050.

3. Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted

Courtesy of Royal Copenhagen

In 1775, the Blue Fluted Plain pattern was created as the first ever from storied dinnerware brand Royal Copenhagen. Meticulously hand-painted, the design was revised in 1885 to what it is today.

You can find various Blue Fluted pieces for thousands of dollars on eBay. The highest listed? A Blue Fluted Full Lace Large Vase for $11,476.

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4. Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica

Courtesy of Royal Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica can get you quite a nice sum if you have any of this delicate, enchanting design lying around. Each flower is inspired by the same copper print from the 1790s.

The first collection in this design has been passed down from generation to generation in the Royal family. A single dinner plate in this pattern could get you $1,300.

5. Wedgwood Countryware

Captain Backdraft/Courtesy of eBay

While Wedgwood Countryware has been replicated numerous times, this particular china pattern was discontinued in 2006. Featuring a raised cabbage leaf border, you can find sets on eBay for around $250 and a Lidded Soup Tureen for $350 before shipping.

Look for the Maker’s Mark or date marks to confirm authenticity.

6. Wedgwood Nantucket Basket

Courtesy of Wedgwood

The Wedgwood Nantucket Basket pattern follows the Countryware pattern in popularity and is still in circulation. This all-white design features a subtle perforation in the shape of a traditional basket weave.

You can replace your accent luncheon plate for $199.95 and list yours for similar prices on eBay.

7. Hermes Le Jardin de Pythagore

doru.vivi/Courtesy of eBay

Like everything Hermes, the Le Jardin de Pythagore is a popular, high-priced plate design featuring red fruits and greenery.

A single plate is valued quite nicely at $1,000, and large dishes are currently going for upwards of $1,300 on eBay.

8. Tiffany Holiday

szgnkg/Courtesy of eBay

The Holiday collection by Tiffany is season-specific, covered in mistletoe and red bows. The edges of the vintage dinnerware are scalloped.

A single dinner plate is currently valued at $700 and a cake stand is going for $1,200.

9. Herend

Bohemian Crystal and China Gift/Courtesy of eBay

The majority of patterns that Herend releases sell well. Their signature designs feature delicate floral patterns.

While the pieces are worth a nice chunk of money – a platter can commonly get you around $200 – the big collections could earn you a small fortune.

There’s currently a 564-piece dinnerware set listed for $117,000 on eBay.

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10. Blue Italian

Raccoon Vision/Courtesy of eBay

While you may not rake in thousands for china in the iconic Blue Italian pattern, you’ve probably encountered pieces with this design on them.

White china with layers of detailed blue depicts scenes of Italy, a quaint and beautiful pattern for afternoon tea. In production since 1816, it has maintained popularity among collectors for decades.

11. Rosenthal Magic Flute Gold

Courtesy of Rosenthal Sambonet USA Ltd.

Rosenthal created the physical manifestation of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” opera with wide gold-detailed plate rims and layers to the dinnerware depicting detailed plants, figures, and more.

The 11.5-inch Rosenthal Zauberflöte Sarastro Showplate retails for $1,485. List a dinner plate like this, and you could get over $700.

12. Spode Stafford White

Replacements Ltd/Courtesy of eBay

Spode Stafford White was in production from 1989 to 2015. With a 22-carat gold design along the edge of the dinnerware, these gorgeous white china pieces can be quite valuable.

If you can get your hands on a plate, it could earn you $650 on the resale market.

13. Meissen Dragon Brown

D-selects/Courtesy of eBay

Meissen has always favored dragons in its designs. The Meissen Dragon Brown design features a dragon at the center surrounded by details in the same rich, red-leaning brown.

If you can get your hands on a dinner plate, you could earn an extra $600. One is currently listed for $999.

Bottom line

Unlike other collectibles, a china pattern will rarely multiply in worth as it ages. So, if you’re hanging onto something hoping it will gain in value, now may be the time to make extra money on the side and sell it.

Keep your eyes peeled for discontinued patterns, however, as those have been known to make the most money.

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