Why do people collect royal memorabilia?

Ahead of King Charles III’s birthday on 14th November, we’re taking a closer look at the souvenirs and keepsakes that mark some of the most popular royal occasions. From coronation plates to commemorative coins, these pieces can tell us something about how people have celebrated and what they wanted to remember.

Royal memorabilia is collected for personal memories, historical significance and the possibility of owning something rare or valuable. A commemorative plate might remind someone of a family celebration, while a limited-edition figure may appeal to a collector interested in a particular monarch or royal occasion.

But what makes these items worth keeping, and why do some become more desirable than others?

The sentimental value of royal memorabilia

For many collectors, the appeal of royal memorabilia is personal. A parent or grandparent might have purchased a souvenir celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, kept it in the family for decades and eventually passed it down to another generation. The piece then becomes a reminder of the person who originally owned it and the memories associated with that time.

Royal memorabilia can also be purchased with future generations in mind. For example, parents might buy their child a commemorative £5 coin issued in the year they were born. As the child grows older, it becomes a keepsake representing both their childhood and a moment in British history. It could also increase in value over time, giving them the option to sell it or keep it to pass down to their own children.

Research by The Royal Mint highlights the importance of these connections. Its research into collecting found that one in five collections began with items passed down through families, while almost 30% of respondents said their collections made them feel nostalgic.

Although the research covers collecting generally, it helps explain why royal commemoratives often become treasured family keepsakes, regardless of their financial value.

Is all royal memorabilia officially endorsed?

Not all royal memorabilia is officially endorsed by the Royal Family, and understanding its origins can help collectors make informed purchases.

Official royal commemoratives are issued by organisations such as the Royal Collection Trust and The Royal Mint. Independent manufacturers, including Border Fine Arts and Steiff, also create genuine collectables celebrating royal occasions, although these aren't necessarily commissioned or endorsed by the Royal Household.

For example, our Border Fine Arts 'The Coronation 1953' Gold State Coach is an authentic limited-edition commemorative designed by Ray Ayres. Issued for the Golden Anniversary celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, only 350 were produced. Our example is numbered 198 and comes with its original certificate of authenticity.

Border Fine Arts 'The Coronation 1953' Gold State Coach, limited to 350 editions.

There are also objects with a direct royal connection, such as our 2000 Royal Christmas card signed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Unlike a manufactured commemorative, a genuine signed card has a direct association with the individuals themselves, making evidence of its authenticity particularly important.

Royal Christmas card dated 2000, listed by PM Antiques & Collectables as signed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

Does official royal endorsement make memorabilia more valuable? Not necessarily. An independently produced limited edition can be just as collectable as an officially issued piece. What matters is understanding its origins, authenticity and the interest it attracts among collectors.

What makes royal memorabilia valuable?

Rarity, condition, historical significance and collector demand all influence the value of royal memorabilia. Two pieces celebrating the same occasion can achieve very different prices depending on their design, manufacturer and availability.

A particularly interesting example comes from the planned coronation of Edward VIII in 1937, which never took place following his abdication in December 1936. Manufacturers had already begun producing commemorative items, including Wedgwood mugs designed by artist Eric Ravilious.

At a Toovey's auction in May 2025, two examples of these mugs achieved hammer prices of £1,100 and £450 respectively. The mugs featured different colourways, while the lower-priced example also had a fault to its footrim. This demonstrates how individual variations and condition can influence the prices collectors are willing to pay.

Limited production can also affect collectability, particularly when an item comes from a recognised manufacturer. However, rarity alone doesn't guarantee a high value. An item may have been produced in small numbers, but there must still be sufficient demand among collectors.

For anyone buying or collecting royal memorabilia, original packaging, certificates, edition numbers and manufacturer markings are worth checking. These details can help establish an item's originality, while recent second-hand sales provide a useful indication of current market demand.

Royal memorabilia as a gift

With Christmas approaching, royal memorabilia can make a thoughtful gift for someone interested in British history, the Royal Family or a particular collectable manufacturer.

For an established Steiff collector, a Queen's 90th Birthday Bear could be a welcome addition to their collection.

Steiff Queen's 90th Birthday Bear, photographed with its certificate in a previous PM listing.

When choosing a piece, consider the recipient's interests, its condition and any original packaging or documentation. A meaningful connection to the occasion can be just as important as the item's collectable value.

Looking for a royal collectable with a story? Browse our Royal memorabilia collection to see our available commemorative pieces, limited editions and historical collectables. If you're looking for something specific or would like help choosing a gift, contact us and we'll be happy to help.