10 Most Valuable Antique Figurines Worth Money

These most valuable antique figurines are the product of the 1979 establishment Precious Moments Inc., which is run by an artist and his business partner. Let’s talk about something a little more accessible but nonetheless cherished: most valuable antique figurines. Because they are often simpler and produced in a distinct way, these miniatures are both highly pricey and adorable.

The initial 21 Precious Moments figurines were made by the corporation, and they were later even duplicated. Produced in the late 1970s, the manufacturer produced this vintage figurine under the name Jonathan & David from 1977 to 1981, when it was discontinued. The God Loveth a Cheerful Giver figure was reintroduced by the company in the late 1970s and again in the early and late 1990s.

While the real God Loveth a Cheerful Giver figurine is extremely uncommon, imitations are widely available. Because there are many imitations of the figure and other figurines, accurate verification of your Precious Moments figurines is crucial to finding the most valuable antique figurines. While new ones are being made and sold right now, you may often find older figurines up for several hundred dollars on sites like Etsy or eBay, given for a reasonable market price.

We are not shocked that the Royal Doulton figurines pique your curiosity, as they are superb examples of vintage goods. But, we also know that due to its widespread appeal, there are a lot of subpar copies available, which could be challenging for inexperienced collectors of the most valuable antique figurines.

Because the most valuable antique figurines often feature well-known characters from adult plays, historical events, and children’s stories, they are among the priciest items available on the antique and vintage figurines market.

Certain Royal Doulton miniatures are priced under $50, while due to special conditions, others command a premium price of more than $2,000. You can find price estimates online and in a trustworthy pricing guide, however they are not always fixed as the cost of the most valuable antique figurines may change.

Along with dinnerware and ceramic home decor, this English porcelain company has a long and distinguished tradition of creating wonderful collectible figurines. Many of the pieces made by Royal Doulton are priced between several hundred and many thousand dollars, even though they never quite reached the same level as Meissen or Lladro.

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Royal Nymphenburg has been producing porcelain figurines, fine vases, spoons, and plates since the 1700s. Their products are highly regarded for their excellent craftsmanship and natural and mythological themes as some of the most valuable antique figurines. Everything is there, including Greek gods and goddesses and stags.

More reasonably priced Nymphenburg figurines can be found for a few hundred dollars, while the priciest ones can fetch $10,000 or more on 1stDibs.

An ancient figurine of a Nymphenburg lady from the middle of the 18th century is estimated by Sotheby’s to be worth between 80,000 and 120,000 British pounds, or around $122,800, and may perhaps get as much as $184,200 as one of the most valuable antique figurines.

Founded in 1735, Doccia porcelain is still in business today, but now goes by the name Richard Ginori. 2011 saw Doccia/Ginori smash the record for the most expensive figurine ever sold, with a price tag costing hundreds of British pounds as one of the most valuable antique figurines. Even yet, the porcelain Hercules figurine from the middle of the eighteenth century remains one of the most infamous pieces of art.

By 1740, Doccia had established a monopoly on the production of porcelain in Tuscany, and it began selling to the general public in 1746. The result was a sophisticated, gray porcelain with a low sheen, crafted from local clay and polished with a white paste later on. Stencils were used to adorn early items, a novel method that would eventually give rise to a subtle range of painted hues.

Furthermore, more recent pieces by Doccia or Ginori are still selling incredibly well as some of the most valuable antique figurines; most of them, like the Doccia White Porcelain Caryatid Sculpture, easily fit into the 4- or 5-digit range.

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Dresden lace miniatures are among the most sought-after on the figurine market because of their unique and delicate designs as some of the most valuable antique figurines. The Dresden figurines almost seem to be moving in front of our eyes; they are often made with porcelain lace and tulle.

Using a very creative technique, which was also utilized to manufacture the figurines, they were made by dipping genuine lace and tulle in porcelain slip and attaching them to the body of the figurine. Regretfully, the fabric was also burned away because the porcelain was only heated to that point. It should come as no surprise that these most valuable antique figurines regularly sell for thousands of dollars given their exquisite craftsmanship and remarkable final result.

Christie’s claims that Meissen, a German company founded in 1710, has long had a stellar reputation for producing exquisite porcelain figures. Even more common pieces frequently sell for hundreds of dollars, and some exceptional examples have brought around $200,000 or more, according to the auction house.

Two of the top designers in the line, Johann Jakob Kirchner and Johann Joachim Kändler, have the most valuable antique figurines. Adorable figures that exude energy and movement are also expensive. For instance, a Kirchner painting of a Great Bustard from 1732 brought $1,071,209 at a Christie’s auction in 2015, despite signs of restoration and repair.

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Sèvres is popular for its unique designs and exquisite decoration, even though it is mostly used for dinnerware such plates, cups, and bowls as well as tea sets, vases, chandeliers, and other items. There are, nevertheless, a few pricey and rare Sèvres figurines accessible, and their extreme rarity raises their values to even more astronomical heights.

The French Louis XVI St. Biscuit De Sèvres Porcelain Centerpiece retails for more than $6,000, or you may get a White Biscuit Porcelain Group, which is now priced at just over $1,000 as one of the most valuable antique figurines. The $17,640 sale of the Bust of Murillo serves as an excellent illustration.

Beautifully crafted figurines with shining glaze lighting, dinnerware, and other home furnishings—many featuring stunning historical flora and animal patterns—are the hallmark of this well-known Italian porcelain manufacturer of some of the most valuable antique figurines. But since the company was founded in 1743, they have also produced original figures almost continually.

Later in the company’s existence, Capodimonte started painting its most valuable antique figurines in bright, exotic colors—usually white or ivory—with a glossy finish. These days, it’s common to purchase and sell antique Capodimonte figurines for hundreds of thousands of dollars. One such example is the Capodimonte pair of couples, which was produced between 1755 and 1760.

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Using just their hands, three brothers established the Spanish porcelain dynasty known as the Lladro company. These brothers’ figurines have not only gained international recognition among collectors, but they are currently housed in some of the most renowned museums on the planet as some of the most valuable antique figurines.

The size of Lladro figurines influences their price. Values for large, rare, and highly detailed Lladro figurines can reach $48,000. Without a doubt, the Grand Adventure is the priciest Lladro figure to date. This complete piece of art consists of 14 expertly costumed persons and a locomotive. The goal was to pay tribute to the steam train’s heyday.

There are just 500 pieces in this collection, each measuring 135 cm, making it one of the largest Lladro sculptures ever created as some of the most most valuable antique figurines. Experts with first-hand experience in modeling and recreating steam trains embellished the 334 elements of the Grand Adventure. Because of this, the whole manifestation is a work of art in and of itself.

In 1921, René Lalique founded the Lalique foundry. Even though Lalique has only been in business for a little more than a century, many of their vases and figures are now considered antiques because of their superb craftsmanship as the most valuable antique figurines. The majority of Lalique’s subjects are related to vegetation, animals, and feminine beauty.

But these days, Lalique vases, bowls, plates, and cups can fetch hundreds of dollars. Take a look at this gorgeous 5-figure selling price tag for a René Lalique figure called Victoire, or this 5-figure selling price tag for a René Lalique letter opener called Cigale as one of the most valuable antique figurines.