eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Determine the Value of a Pez

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(19 Ratings)
Determine the Value of a Pez
Determine the Value of a Pez

Figuring out the value of Pez dispensers can be tricky. Collectors estimate that roughly 350 distinct models of these plastic icons have been released, or 700 if you include varying colors. So how do you know what yours is worth?

From Quick Guide: Collecting Vintage Toys
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Pez Price Guides
  • Pez Candies
  • Pez Dispensers
  1. Step 1

    Determine whether the dispenser has feet (an addition to the base that helps the dispenser stand upright). Pez dispensers without feet were typically made before 1987 and are more valuable.

  2. Step 2

    Check the patent number on the lower part of the stem to make a rough age estimate. Collectors abbreviate the patent number using the first two numbers, so a dispenser with patent number 4,966,305 would be called a 4.9. The five issues of Pez are 2.6 (issued in 1952), 3.4 (1968), 3.8 (1974), 3.9 (1976) and 4.9 (1990). Some older Pez dispensers are extremely valuable.

  3. Step 3

    Consider how the dispenser is packaged. In order of least to most value, the designations are: Loose (not packaged), MIB (Mint in Bag - mint condition in a cellophane bag), MOC (Mint on Card - on a cardboard backing covered by a clear plastic blister) and MOMC (Mint on Mint Card - with the card in perfect shape and not bent or scratched).

  4. Step 4

    Check a Pez price guide. These books identify the variations that can affect a dispenser's value. While one Batman (soft head, gray base, no feet, Loose) goes for more than $175, another Batman (black head, black base, feet, MOC) will score you only about $3. By knowing these variations, you'll be able to bargain with prospective buyers.

  5. Step 5

    Consult online price guides and online auctions such as eBay or Amazon to get a good idea of what your specific Pez dispenser might be worth.

Tips & Warnings
  • Remember that Pez dispensers are available in more than 60 countries and not all of the models are available in the United States. Foreign dispensers are worth more to American collectors and vice versa.
  • Note that prices listed in printed guides tend to run a little on the low side, while auction prices can be outrageously high.

Comments  

howlucky said

Flag This Comment

on 8/27/2008 I found this very helpful. I have been collecting for years or I should say buying but have no idea or how much any of them are worth. I knew there was something about the feet but not quite sure what. This article was a big help to me.

Flag This Comment

on 3/10/2008 Wow, I did not know pez dispensers were a seious collector's item... Consider me educated! Great article!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 There is now another patent number out there, 5. something-or-other. There are a few more types of packing, too. The older crinkly cellophane wrappers (made before any of them), and the foreign shrink-wrapped dispensers.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Hobbies, Games & Toys
Nate Chang, eHow Expert,

Meet Nate Chang, eHow Expert eHow's Hobbies, Games & Toys Expert.

Get Free Hobbies, Games & Toys Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Hobbies, Games and Toys
eHow_eHow Hobbies, Games and Toys