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How to Estimate the Value of McCoy Pottery

The Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company began production in 1910 in Roseville, Ohio. During the 1920s and '30s, the company produced functional and decorative pieces featuring earthy glazes and motifs. Today, these wares are considered highly collectible examples of American art pottery. Because McCoy pottery is plentiful, it often is hard to figure out which pieces are valuable. A little research can go a long way toward finding out how much your piece of pottery is worth.

Instructions

- 1
  Consult collectors' guidebooks. Hunt for books that discuss the value of specific McCoy pieces. These are available at your local library, bookstore or through Amazon.com. Some books that include pricing guidelines are "Warman's McCoy Pottery: Identification and Price Guide," by Mark F. Moran, and "McCoy Pottery: The Ultimate Reference &Value Guide," by Bob Hanson and Craig Nissen.
- 2
  Search completed auctions on eBay. McCoy Pottery is a popular item on the auction site. Checking the completed auctions listings tells you what people are willing to pay for specific pieces in various glazes and conditions. To view completed auctions, you have to become a member of eBay. Registration is free.
- 3
  Attend an art pottery show and sale. These are great places to see a wide variety of pieces and find out how they are priced. The more pieces you can see at one time, the easier it will be to figure out the value of your art pottery collection. The Web site Art Pottery Blog lists shows around the country.
- 4
  Network with other collectors to learn tips on how to estimate the value of various pieces. Join a collectors' society. The McCoy Pottery Collectors' Society is made up of enthusiasts from the United States and Canada. Search the Web site Meetup to see whether there is an American pottery or McCoy collectors group in your area. Getting tips from other collectors will help you learn to spot valuable pieces of McCoy.
- 5
  Check antiques and collectibles stores that have extensive inventories of American pottery. Study the selection of McCoy pottery to see the prices items with various patterns, shapes and glazes. Ask the store owners which pieces are the most popular and valuable. Search online antiques stores to see which pieces are for sale and at what price. Some large Internet antiques malls include Trocadero and Ruby Lane.
- 6
  Hire an expert. If you have a large collection of McCoy pottery or pieces you suspect are quite valuable, it may be worth the money to hire a professional appraiser. To find an expert, consult the American Society of Appraisers or ask for a recommendation from a local art museum.

Antiques