This year, King Charles III’s coronation will be no different as shops around the UK start to bring out all sorts of red, white and blue items to buy ahead of the big day on May 6.
From official Royal Mint coins and hand-painted pottery to dresses embroidered with union flags and biscuits shaped like thrones, there is something for everyone to treasure as we mark the first coronation since the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
The crowning of a monarch doesn’t come around very often, so should we be stocking up on mugs, tea towels and teddy bears that might be worth a significant value at auction one day?
To find out if investing in coronation memorabilia is worth it, history and retail experts offer their insights into coronation memorabilia to PA News Agency.
To celebrate the coronation, we’re pleased to release the official portrait of King Kevin.
Plush toys of his likeness are available in store now! #KingKevin pic.twitter.com/7SMveMAF70— Aldi Stores UK (@AldiUK) April 20, 2023
Coronation souvenirs will grow in value depending on their availability
“Royal memorabilia has always been popular with Brits, as the population as a whole holds the Royal family in such high regard, and they lie at the centre of our culture and history,” said retail expert Wizz Selvey, founder and CEO of Wizz&Co.
“Coins, newspapers, mugs and plates, as well as signed Christmas cards from monarchs in the past are all popular memorabilia from Elizabeth II’s coronation and reign.”
Souvenirs from coronations and other events are a great way to start an antique collection, Selvey said. “They will grow in value depending on their availability, wide-scale appeal, validity and condition.”
Some of the most sought-after collectibles in circulation now are from the coronation that never happened.
Edward VIII was due to be crowned on May 12, 1937, and souvenirs were already on sale when he abdicated the throne in December 1936.
The official commemorative range to mark the #Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla is now available from our shops. https://t.co/y72pRAuUP3 pic.twitter.com/CccePu6XJb
— Royal Collection Trust (@RCT) April 14, 2023
“All coronation memorabilia is quite valuable, but particularly coronation memorabilia from Edward VIII,” said royal historian and author Professor Kate Williams, who is working with Greene King.
“The majority of the items were simply not used – they were just thrown away.”
What King Charles III coronation memorabilia should people buy this year?
Williams advised focusing on “anything that is very limited edition, so not something that you could get necessarily from Kings Cross Station”.
She also suggested items with the Buckingham Palace stamp of approval. “The Royal Mint is making limited edition coins and bullion – they are something to grab and keep.”
If you happen to be one of the 2,000 people attending the King’s coronation on May 6, or know someone who is, make sure to hold onto any items from the day.
“If you do get a programme from the coronation or an invite, all of these things will be worth a lot of money in the future,” Williams said.
Selvey predicts that products from British heritage brands, especially those that hold a royal warrant, will be of more interest to collectors in future.
With less than a month to go, we’ve announced some new ceremonial details about the #Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort.
Take a look at our thread to find out more👇
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— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2023
“Like coronation limited editions by Liberty, Selfridges, Cath Kidston, Asprey, Marmite, or Kiki McDonough, whose jewellery is popular with the royal family,” she said.
“I think mugs and plates will always be popular, as they are the hardest items to maintain in a good condition. Stamps and coins are historically collectible items, so may increase in value.”
Selvey advises people must check the authenticity of a collectable item, looking for a brand logo or stamp on the underside of a product as this is what some authenticators or antiques dealers will look for.
She adds: “If you can keep the item in the original packaging that may increase the value for items like figurines.”
