How to Choose Collector Plates
Collectible plates come in every shape, size, and color. Some are made just for the collector's market, designed to hang on a wall or rest on a shelf to be admired. Others were once used for food and practical purposes, but have grown in value over time. Plates can also appeal to collectors with varying interests; some might like souvenir plates from exotic destinations, whereas others might enjoy ones featuring the image of a favorite actor.
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Instructions
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Plate Collecting
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Read about plate collecting. Learn about collectible plates and their history. Read a variety of books on plate collecting, such as Jim and Susan Harran's "Decorative Plates," to become familiar with different types of plates, their history and value.
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Decide what kind of plates to collect. Decide what types of plates you want to collect. There are many different types of collectible plates -- from souvenir plates to antiques to modern commemorative editions -- all with differing values and backgrounds. Some aficionados might want a diverse collection consisting of plates of all shapes and sizes, whereas others may prefer to only collect plates featuring the work of a beloved artist.
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Buy plates online. Purchase plates. Collectible plates are available from many different sources. Antique shops and shows often have a selection of vintage plates for sale, while ebay consistently features listings for infinite varieties of plates up for auction. Plate manufacturers like the Bradford Mint have websites where shoppers can peruse the latest releases, while collector websites often have forums where people can sell and trade plates.
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Connect with other collectors. Interact with other collectors. Join a collecting club or online forum to meet other people with the same passion for plates. Together, you can share tips and information about collecting. Experienced collectors can give recommendations and inspiration to newcomers who are just learning about plates.
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Considering insuring your plate collection. Consider insuring your collection. Collectible plates can be expensive, and a large collection may be worth considerable money. So as not to take a loss in the event of damage or theft, insuring a collection can be a wise financial decision.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit colorful plate image by Dumitrescu Ciprian from Fotolia.com Books image by explicitly from Fotolia.com egyptian plate image by Svetlana Privezentseva from Fotolia.com attractive woman using computer image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com group of business men and women image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com signing a contract image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
