In the past years, McDonald’s has issued numerous limited-edition mugs and cups. Many of these collections were also tied in with the major movies, cartoons, and sports teams. If you have had any of these during the period of their production, you could be sitting on a small fortune. Some of the most expensive collectibles of McDonald’s will be explored in this paper, as well as which ones are worth the most.
What McDonald’s collectible cups are worth money?
McDonald’s collectibles, especially mugs and cups, have seen increasing demand among collectors. Certain cups from past promotions have sold for hundreds, and even close to a thousand dollars. Some of the most valuable McDonald’s collectibles include:
- Batman Returns Cups (1992): These cups were released to promote the “Batman Returns” movie and have become quite valuable over the years. Individual cups from the set are selling for over $50, while even the promotional packaging can fetch $149.99. If you own a set, it could be worth even more. Collectors value these items for their connection to the iconic Batman franchise.
- Dream Team Cups (1992): McDonald’s also teamed up with the U.S. men’s basketball team, known as the Dream Team, during the 1992 Olympics. Each commemorative cup featured one of the 12 legendary players. While individual cups might get you around $20, a complete set can sell for up to $899.99. If you happen to have these stashed away, now might be the time to cash in.
How much are vintage McDonald’s cups worth?
Older McDonald’s mugs and cups, especially those from the ’70s and ’80s, have become highly sought after by collectors. For example:
- Wax-Coated Paper Cups (1970s): While they might seem like simple throwaways, wax-coated paper cups from the ’70s are now selling for around $75 for a set of 10. These cups represent a significant part of McDonald’s design history and are in high demand.
- Good Morning Mugs (1976): If you’ve got any of the Good Morning mugs from the ’70s, designed by Anchor Hocking, you could sell them for a decent price. Individual mugs go for $10 to $25, but a full set has sold for over $100. These mugs are a nostalgic favorite for collectors who love vintage McDonald’s items.
Are McDonald’s collector’s edition cups worth anything?
McDonald’s has consistently tapped into the power of nostalgia, releasing collector’s edition items to celebrate pop culture. These cups might be newer, but they’re still worth some cash:
- Collector’s edition cups (2024): Earlier this year, McDonald’s launched a Collector’s Meal featuring six different cups. Each cup showcases a nostalgic brand like Barbie, Shrek, or Hello Kitty. Though still relatively new, some sets are already selling for around $300, with individual cups going for $89. A full, unopened case recently sold for a whopping $1,500.
- Color-changing cups (2023): In collaboration with Coca-Cola, McDonald’s released a set of temperature-reactive, color-changing cups in 2023. Originally available in the Philippines, these cups have been popping up on reseller sites, with full sets selling for $100 and individual cups going for around $39.99.
How to check if your McDonald’s collectibles are valuable
If you suspect you have some of these cups or mugs hidden in your cabinets, it’s worth taking the time to check their value. Several factors can influence the resale price, including:
- Condition: The better the condition, the more it’s worth. Look for chips, cracks, or fading in glassware, and for paper cups, ensure they are unused and in excellent condition.
- Completeness: A complete set will always fetch more than individual items. If you’ve got all the cups in a particular collection, you’re looking at a much higher price.
- Rarity: Limited edition cups or those only available in specific regions tend to be more valuable. For example, the color-changing cups were only sold in the Philippines, which adds to their appeal among collectors.
Where to sell McDonald’s collectible cups and mugs?
Once you’ve identified which cups you have and determined their value, the next step is selling them. Here are some places where you can list your McDonald’s memorabilia:
- eBay: One of the most popular platforms for selling collectibles, eBay allows you to reach a global audience of buyers. Many of the cups mentioned have been sold here for high prices.
- Facebook Marketplace: For those looking to sell locally, Facebook Marketplace is a good option. It’s easy to use, and you can avoid shipping costs by meeting buyers in person.
- Collector Websites: Some websites specialize in memorabilia and collectibles. Check out forums or niche resale platforms where collectors may be searching for vintage McDonald’s items.
Whether you’ve got a set of ’90s Dream Team cups or a lone Batman Returns mug, it’s time to check your cabinets – you might just have a hidden treasure.
