Antique Vase Values: What to Know

Of all the categories of antiques, vases values often have the widest range. While ancient vases from Greek and Roman civilizations may sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, a McCoy Pottery vase from the Depression era could sell for less than $50. If you have wondered about your antique vases' values and how they are determined, the following examples should be helpful.

Design elements can add to the value of a vase. This aqua McCoy pottery double-handled vase has a bird carving on the side. The vine handles make it look very much like McCoy. The value will vary depending on the maker, but this could easily bring $100 or more if it were a McCoy. Similar McCoy vases sell for around $140.

Faience gets its name from a glazing technique which uses tin to glaze earthenware. A well-known example of this is Quimperware. It is generally very colorful and has intricate designs of stylized plants and animals. It is an expensive collectible, and faience vase values start around $200 and can easily exceed $800.

This vase was made in the 1880s, about a decade after the interest in faience was renewed.

This vase of the late Victorian period shows the fascination that Victorians had with ancient civilizations. The gold leaf designs are in excellent condition and the painted figure is bright. There are no apparent chips. This is a beautiful vase in great condition that would sell for quite a bit more than a plain vase of the same era.

However, this type of vase can have a price range from $25 up to thousands of dollars. For example, a signed Victorian vase with 24k gold accents sold for about $750.

This pink and black combination has some classic elements of the early 1920s. It seems to be a transition piece; a little different from Art Nouveau but not quite all the way into Art Deco.

It has all of its hanging decorations intact, which will mean it is more valuable that another that had parts missing. When you are contemplating a purchase of an antique item that has a lot of detail, check carefully for repairs, missing parts, and worn areas.

The cost of one of these transitional vases will vary, but expect to pay top dollar for the best examples. Many start at around $100, but they can be worth much more. For instance, an Art Nouveau traditional vase made by the famed Roseville Pottery sold for almost $400.

Nearly everyone loves the country casual look of hobnail milk glass. These vases were made well into the 1950s and often were part of a bigger dresser set.

For the most valuable pieces, look for items that have no chips and are unusual in some way. As a general rule, you can pick these vases up at garage sales for less than $10, but some special ones can be worth more. For example, a Fenton white milk glass hobnail vase with a ruffle edge sold for about $65.

This Haeger vase is a classic Haeger design from the Arts and Crafts era. Haeger Pottery has been in business for 100 years, but the pottery is still very affordable and can often be found in the $10 to $50 range. Rare examples, like a mid-century lime peel Haeger vase, can sell for $380 or more.

Colored glass vases tend to have minimal value in general, but those with special touches can be worth more. Antique vase values for colored glass depend on a number of factors, including the vase's age, size, condition, rarity, beauty, and little details. A vase in beautiful condition with delicate handmade touches will sell in the $25 range, although larger or more elaborate hand-painted vases can be worth more.

Carnival glass vases come in all sizes, colors, and patterns, and some can be extremely valuable. Most Carnival glass vases sell in the range of $50 to $100, but special patterns, large sizes, or unusual colors can fetch more. For example, a green Carnival glass vase in the rare Northwood Tree Trunk pattern sold for over $600.

In good condition, cut glass can have incredible sparkle and significant value. Antique vases made of American brilliant cut glass or crystal can fetch $125 or more at auction. Small examples or those with damage may sell in the range of $20, but it's common to see them sell for more. Some very large and rare examples sell for hundreds.

There's a lot of variation in antique vase values with silver-colored metal vases. Many are not made of silver at all, and others are silver plated. Sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver, can be extremely valuable. A silver-colored antique vase may be worth about $50, while a sterling silver vase can be worth thousands. For example, a Tiffany sterling vase in the Audubon pattern sold for about $1,800.

Porcelain makes a delicate and strong material for a vase, and many antique examples are hand painted in incredible detail. Bavarian porcelain, in particular, can be lovely and valuable. A Bavarian porcelain vase by Rosenthal sold for over $400.

English bone china is famous for its luminous beauty, but antique vases in this material aren't always valuable. You can find vintage examples like a Royal Albert bud vase from the 1960s for under $40. Many vases sell for around $20. Very rare or old examples may be worth much more.

Depression glass is highly collectible, so vases made of this iconic material can also be valuable. The key is finding larger vases in good condition and rare patterns. Small, simple vases can sell for under $10 at thrift shops, but vases in good condition in rare Depression glass patterns can be worth more. For instance, a green Depression glass vase in the rare Anchor Hocking Cameo pattern sold for almost $300.

This 1880s urn is a gorgeous example of Victorian decor. Bohemian china came from what is now Czechoslovakia and was prized for its beauty and detail. These vases often come in pairs and it is not unusual for a pair of Bohemian china vases to sell for over $500. Most sell in the range of $50 to $100, such as a late 1800s Tischer Bohemian vase that sold for $75.

Although it's important to keep antique vase values in mind as you shop or examine the contents of your own china cabinet, sentimental value is also a factor. The most special vases include emotional, as well as monetary, value. If you love a vase and will use it in your home, it's valuable.