Did You Know Some Coronation Souvenirs Are Worth More Than $15K?

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There was something almost immortal about the late Queen Elizabeth II, who sat on one of the world's most storied thrones since she was just 25. Her coronation souvenirs are giving us a bittersweet feeling about a new member of the Royal Family sitting where such a beloved monarch sat for more than 70 years, but at the end of the day, we love the royals as much as anyone, so we are headed to flea markets (both in-person and digitally) to build on our growing collection of coronation souvenirs.

Some of our finds are in celebration of King Charles's upcoming coronation and others date back as far as Queen Victoria (the early 19th century). And now, after more than 70 years of Queen Elizabeth's reign, her son, King Charles, is about to fill some very big shoes. Luckily, he's been waiting for this day since the early 1970s.

In the year 2023, the idea of a monarchy in a highly developed nation may seem a bit archaic, but we love the Royal Family as much as the next person. So you can imagine how excited we are about the upcoming coronation, which is set for Saturday, 6 May 2023, at Westminster Abbey. If you’re also ready for a new royal to take his place on the centuries-old throne, keep scrolling.

We’ve scoured the Internet’s digital antique and vintage outposts for some of the best, most prized (and dare we say rarest) coronation souvenirs that survived the last several kings and queens. If you’re thinking the list below will feature mostly mugs, you’re not wrong. After all, who enjoys a cup of piping hot tea out of a delicate and ornately designed mug more than the British?

Ahead, you’ll find plenty of rare finds from the coronations of Queen Victoria, King George, Queen Elizabeth II, and, of course, King Charles. If you see something you like, grab it because it will be worth a lot more this time next month!

Coronation Organic Darjeeling Tea

There's nothing more English than Fortnum & Mason or tea, and this elegantly decorated tin happens to be both. It's a loose leaf blend brewed up to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It's also the brand's second flush Darjeeling blend, which is known as the Champagne of tea. We'll take seconds.

Coronation Teacup and Saucer

You'll need something on-brand and on-theme to enjoy the Champagne of tea, and this sophisticated fine bone china teacup and matching saucer (both of which are decorated by hand) celebrates both the upcoming coronation and, of course, traditional British craftsmanship.

Exclusive Coronation Pearl & Silver Brooch

This Coleman Douglas Pearls brooch may look vintage, but it's brand new and was designed specifically to commemorate King Charles's coronation. It features a sterling silver swirl design that's accented with white freshwater seed pearls. It's fit for royalty.

Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Coronation Mug

The late Queen Elizabeth II lived and reigned for long enough that she has inspired a bevy of sweet souvenirs designed in her honor. This set of mugs, which were decorated by Richard Guyatt for Wedgwood ahead of the former queen's coronation in 1953, are sold individually, so if you want to snag the whole set, you may have to pay a pretty penny.

Queen Victoria Signed Royal Coronation Invitation

History buffs, this one is for you. We have yet to be invited to a royal coronation, so we're not quite sure how they do it these days, but back in the 19th century, invitations were sent by hand-written snail mail. Case in point: Queen Victoria's coronation invitation, which was sent in 1838. This one, written on parchment and signed by the queen herself, is dated May 9, 1838—a mere days before her 19th birthday.

King Charles III Coronation Teddy Bear

Slightly more affordable than the previous souvenir, this plush teddy bear from Harrods doesn't get more quintessentially British–a perfect theme for King Charles's upcoming coronation.

King Charles III Coronation Mug

There may be more than a few mugs on our list of coronation souvenirs, but drinking tea is what the Brits are known for—among other things—so we can't be too surprised.

King Charles Coronation

This poster may be a bit cheeky, but we're into it. Here, King Charles dons his military uniform—albeit, in a different color palette than we're used to seeing him wear—and a tilted crown. Hopefully, the one he wears on the big day in May will be a bit bigger and feature real gems.

Vintage Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Cup

Another rare find, this vintage mug and matching saucer were designed in 1953, the year Queen Elizabeth II was crowned ruler of Great Britain. She reigned until her death, at the age of 96, in late 2022. When she became queen at just 25, the British people were already quite taken with her, so buying decorative objects with her face and name on them was common.

Coronation of King Charles Tankard

One more mug for the future king of England! This one, which looks quite regal and masculine in its gold and navy palette, was designed by William Edwards, an English artisan known for his bone china works. Snag it now before bidding begins and hikes the price up!

Vintage Princess Diana and Prince Charles Royal Wedding Plate

Technically, this vintage plate isn't a coronation souvenir, but we couldn't round up our favorite goodies inspired by the Royal Family and not pay honor to the one and only Princess Diana. She was the people's princess, after all. This plate, vintage from the doomed couple's nuptials in 1981, is a rare find, so perhaps don't clean it in the dishwasher.

Coronation Goblet

Lastly, this engraved glass coronation goblet from Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. Sadly, the most special part of this glass is on the bottom, where no one can see it. It's a silver coin commemorating the coronation of King George VI and his daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth II, which is inset on the base.

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