In the course of penning my recent piece on collectible espresso cups, I found myself delving into the world of Starbucks brand mugs. To my surprise, I stumbled upon extensive collections of mugs, particularly the captivating “City” Collection series.
Starbucks brilliantly came up with the idea of designing mugs featuring iconic images of specific cities or countries, available exclusively in their respective regions. Consequently, an intriguing “underground market” for these mugs has sprung up online. Individuals unable to travel to certain locations to purchase their desired mug often rely on “intermediaries”. These savvy entrepreneurs specialize in procuring and reselling these unique Starbucks mugs.
Discovering the Roots of Collectible Mugs: The Story Behind Starbucks City Mugs
Starbucks Collector Mugs, affectionately known as Starbucks City Mugs, have been charming coffee enthusiasts and collectors alike since they first hit the scene. Introduced in 1994, this captivating series swiftly rose to fame due to its distinctive concept: each mug showcases a city or country, frequently adorned with motifs and symbols that are quintessential to that particular region.
Starbucks initially launched the vibrant “City Collection”, featuring mugs adorned with illustrations of various American and international cities. As time passed, they broadened their horizons and introduced new collections like the “Global Icon Series”, the inviting “You Are Here” series, and the latest addition, the nostalgic “Been There” series. Each collection provides a unique viewpoint of the cities they represent, brought to life through artistic and often vivid designs.
When it comes to diversity, it’s fascinating to note that there are more than 2,000 unique mug designs spread across various collections, each boasting its own distinct features and allure. Particularly coveted are mugs representing cities like Tokyo, New York, and Paris, which frequently find themselves at the top of collectors’ wish lists.
These mugs certainly have a wealth of fascinating stories attached to them. Take, for instance, a mug from the “Seattle First Store” series. This mug, which symbolizes the company’s inaugural store, was auctioned off for a staggering $2,000 on eBay. This rare, limited-edition item has evolved into a true treasure among collectors.
Each of our series boasts its own unique flair. The “City Collection” is renowned for its clean, minimalist designs, often adorned with stylized renditions of urban landscapes. Introduced in 2008, the “Global Icon Series” incorporates cultural and historical elements, lending each mug a distinctive and intricate touch. The “You Are Here” series, which made its debut in 2013, is celebrated for its vibrant, modern illustrations that encapsulate the spirit of various locales with a fresh, contemporary spin. Lastly, the “Been There” series, which first appeared in 2018, carries on this legacy with even more dynamic and story-rich designs.
Starbucks mugs are more than just souvenirs; they’re treasured collectibles that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. The pursuit of rare finds and the lively exchange among collectors have fostered a vibrant and devoted community. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or a passionate collector, these mugs narrate a distinctive tale of the places they symbolize, all while honoring local art and culture in a unique way.
What’s the Value of Starbucks Mugs?
While Starbucks doesn’t offer its mugs for sale online, you can find them exclusively in their physical stores. According to my research, the mugs from the “Been There” series are available worldwide at a consistent price range, typically between €35 and €60. This price can vary slightly depending on the city. You can find these mugs on various online platforms such as eBay and Amazon. Within this price range, you’re most likely to come across mugs from the latest series. Essentially, these are the same mugs you might stumble upon in your local Starbucks, which are then resold online.
Nevertheless, certain series can be quite elusive or may have ceased publication, prompting some sellers to list them at premium prices. Allow me to share with you a collection of my extraordinary discoveries.
Discovering Rare and Collectible Starbucks Mugs: Where to Look?
If you’re on the hunt for Starbucks mugs, a quick online search will lead you to a plethora of websites offering these collectibles. However, this particular site shines brightly as a treasure trove for collectors. It boasts a diverse selection of mugs from various series like “Been There” and “You Are Here”. Not only that, but it also provides in-depth information about each collection, including release dates and fascinating tidbits. Plus, the site makes it easy for you to buy or swap those rare and coveted mugs you’ve been longing for.
Wrapping It Up
I must confess, the intricacies of the Starbucks black mug market were entirely unknown to me, let alone the fact that certain rare mugs have fetched prices in the thousands at auction. While I may not be among the Starbucks devotees (their coffee isn’t quite to my taste), I can’t deny that they produce some truly appealing mugs.
Traveling always presents an opportunity to collect unique souvenirs. Currently, my collection boasts only a single piece, a vibrant “Montreal” mug. Despite having journeyed through numerous countries, this remains my sole acquisition. However, I’m eagerly looking forward to my next addition. A mug from Japan is next on my list, a place I’ve always dreamt of exploring.
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