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.

L’article Starbucks collector’s mugs: a black market takeover est apparu en premier sur CoffeeGeek.

Just to clarify, when I mention “coffee cups”, I’m specifically talking about those charming egg-shaped cups that are perfect for your latte, cappuccino, or espresso indulgences.

Having been deeply intrigued by this topic when I was in the market myself, I’m excited to share my discoveries with you.

Unveiling the True Essence of a ‘Real’ Espresso Cup

Meet George Sowden, a celebrated British industrial designer, best known for his contributions to the Italian design collective, Memphis, during the 1980s. Among his many creations, the egg-shaped espresso cups, affectionately known as “egg“, stand out. These uniquely shaped cups are not just aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve a practical purpose. They enhance the espresso tasting experience by intensifying the aromas and flavors. The thick porcelain walls of the cups not only ensure that your espresso stays hot for a longer duration but also add to the cup’s durability. Moreover, the porcelain material helps maintain the coffee’s aromatic purity as it does not retain any odors or flavors.

Discover the “Illy Art Collection” Mugs

Back in 1992, a creative ensemble of artists breathed new life into a coffee mug designed by Matteo Thun for illy, turning it into a blank canvas. This marked the inception of the illy Art Collection, a platform that has since allowed 132 internationally acclaimed artists (as of 2024) to showcase their creativity. If you’re intrigued by any of the past editions, you might need to embark on a treasure hunt on platforms like Le Bon Coin, eBay, or even, unexpectedly, Amazon to discover them up for grabs.

Unearth a wealth of artistic brilliance with the “illy Art Collection” series, a true gem for collectors and contemporary art aficionados alike. Since its inception in 1992, this collection has been graced by the creative genius of globally acclaimed artists such as Jeff Koons, Julian Schnabel, and Marina Abramović, who have masterfully transformed simple espresso cups into extraordinary works of art. Certain series, like the one crafted by artist Robert Rauschenberg in 1996, are especially coveted, with cups commanding impressive prices at auction. While the exact figures fluctuate, some limited and autographed series can command thousands of euros. For an estimate of these prized mugs’ worth, enthusiasts can turn to specialist platforms like Artvalue or Catawiki. These sites consider factors such as the artist, limited edition, and preservation status to provide accurate valuations, mirroring the escalating enthusiasm for these unique art pieces.

For those intrigued, there’s a fascinating book that delves into the captivating journey of the illy art collection. It’s a must-read for art enthusiasts!

Discover the Charm of Loveramics Mugs

Loveramics is a renowned name in the realm of contemporary ceramics, particularly known for its exquisite mugs. Established in 2008, the company has made a mark with its unwavering dedication to quality and design. Every piece is crafted with an eye for detail, marrying modern aesthetics with practicality. Loveramics collaborates with skilled artisans and innovative designers to create collections that are cherished by professionals and coffee enthusiasts alike. Boasting an international presence, the brand further strengthens its standing in the coffee world as a prominent sponsor of numerous latte art competitions.

Looking for their mugs? You’re in luck! You can discover their collection on their official website. Alternatively, you can also find them on Amazon for your convenience.

Discover the Ancap “Edizione Espresso” Collection

Ancap, a distinctive brand that may not be as renowned as Illy, hails directly from the heart of Italy. Drawing parallels with the Illy Art Collection, Ancap delights its customers with themed, limited-edition mugs. While these special editions may not be as widely publicized as Illy’s collection series, Ancap has unveiled several unique series over the past few years. Occasionally, you might stumble upon them on platforms like Le Bon Coin or eBay, priced in the range of tens of euros. This is precisely how I managed to add five of the six mugs from the “mondo futuro” collection to my own.

Wrapping Things Up

Regrettably, exquisite espresso cups remain a scarce find in the market. They are frequently linked with exclusive collections, which are sometimes highly sought after by collectors.

If you’re working with a limited budget and are in the market for one or more espresso or cappuccino cups, your best bet is to check out Le Bon Coin. Here, professionals frequently offer their merchandise for a mere €2 or €3 per item, making it an affordable option for your needs.

There exists a fascinating collection of mugs that, although not mentioned in this article due to their deviation from the egg-shaped mugs criteria, are highly sought after. These mini mugs have garnered such a fan base among collectors that they’ve sparked a sort of underground trading scene, often referred to as the “Starbucks mug black market“.

L’article A rare collection of espresso cups est apparu en premier sur CoffeeGeek.