Ever rolled your eyes when relatives insist you take those “precious” teacups nobody uses anymore? I totally get you! But plot twist: some of those dusty vintage tea cups sitting in your cabinet could be worth serious cash today.
And we’re talking about the pieces that sold for not just hundreds but up to a few thousand dollars. So, let’s find out if you have any of these collectible tea cups!
1. Meissen Germany Porcelain Demitasse Cups & Saucers
Let’s start the list with the most valuable antique tea cups: a set of four tea cups and two saucers from Meissen Germany Porcelain. These demitasse cups feature vibrant colors with iconic cherub designs in the center and metallic trims.
Sold for: $4,730
2. Chinoiserie Tea Cup Set
Next up is a set of 4 Chinese handpainted tea cups and two saucers with an amazing blue and white pattern featuring natural elements, like mountains, rivers, and other elements. The pieces are marked with a Chinese manufactured name on the bottom.
Another feature that makes these vintage tea cups rarer is their design; they’re not shaped like regular cups with handles. Besides, they have lids for the cups!
Sold for: 1,200
3. Paragon Floating Rose Cup & Saucer
This mesmerizing single tea cup and saucer set justifies the stunning value that it sold for. One of Paragon’s most popular patterns, this piece showcases a bright pink color with a detailed 3D-like rose design that looks like it’s ‘floating.’
Sold For: $1,880
4. Paragon England White Cabbage Rose Pink Cup & Saucer
Featuring another Paragon’s treasured pattern, this England White Cabbage Tea Rose, this cup and saucer set realized one of the highest prices for a single set.
The beauty of this set lies in the gorgeous light pink and white England rose design with golden trim on the edges.
Sold For: $1,181
5. Ernst Bohne Söhne Blue Anchor Mark Tea Serving Set
This Ernst Bohne Söhne German porcelain tea set is one of the most valuable sets out there. The tea cups and servers display a unique twisted shape with a fish skin-like texture decorated in dusty pink and cream color.
The metallic accents add a touch of royalty to these pieces. Also, you can find the iconic Blue Anchor mark at the bottom of the pieces!
Sold for: $5,999
6. Meissen Dot Period Puce Pattern Tea Cup & Saucer
Antique Meissen porcelain items from the “Meissen Dot Period” (1763 to 1774) are generally highly valuable. Just like this single tea cup and saucer set with a Puce pattern that sold for almost $2,000.
The design on this set is made with a light pink color and features a domestic scenery with two humans and a background of trees, a hut, barrels, and more.
Sold for: $1,195
7. 1950s Vitra Design Museum Tea Cup & Saucer
This vintage tea cup & saucer set is rare because it’s the prototype of Vitra Design Museum’s Isamu Noguchi line. The cups display a unique shape with half handles, unlike the common cups we see.
The saucers also look distinctive with their small size and irregular shape. You’ll also see the brand marking at the bottom of each item. Definitely, a rare set worth collecting!
Sold for: $800
8. 19th Century Chinese Vietnamese Bleu De Hue Tea Cups
This Chinese Blue De Hue set comes from the mid to late 19th century, which makes it quite old and rare. The pattern features some intricate designs that appear to be Chinese dragons of some sort.
The set comprises three small cups, a large cup (all without handles), and a large-sized plate with the same blue-white pattern.
Sold for: $765
9. 19th Century Russian Safronov Tea Cup & Saucer
Next is a rare 19th-century Russian Safronov tea cup and saucer set which looks actually ‘royal’, a magnificent example of craftsmanship.
This stunning piece features a handpainted floral design with a rich cobalt blue background, vibrant pink, yellow, and orange flowers, and gilded accents.
Sold for: $595
10. Antique Bristol Tea Cup & Saucer
This antique porcelain tea cup-saucer set from the 18th Century features delicate handpainted floral designs in bold colors. You’ll see boundaries and ribbons, too. Both the cup and saucer feature a ribbed design instead of plain walls.
Sold for: $525
11. Dresden Watteau Scenes Tea Cup & Saucer
A hallmark of Dresden artistry, this delicate porcelain antique tea cup set is a representation of 18th-century European life. It features hand-painted Watteau scenes in vibrant light colors and raised gold floral accents and trims.
This specific set depicts a courting couple. Plus, the design of the cup and handle also reflect Dresden’s unique craftsmanship!
Sold for: $500
12. Antique Sevres Teacup & Saucer
This rare antique Sèvres teacup features a cobalt blue background with hand-painted designs of a couple and raised gold gilt accents.
The cup also includes a lid, displaying intricate gilt work reflecting typical Sèvres porcelain artistry. The gold gilding adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.
Sold for: $453
13. Royal Vienna Golden Cup & Saucer
This tea cup looks like it’s made of gold at first glance, but it’s not! This one is an exclusive gold porcelain tea cup and saucer set from Royal Vienna!
The golden cup with a very unique-shaped handle features a painting of a human figure doing some activity. On the other hand, the dark red saucer features a detailed, golden floral scrollwork.
Sold for: $399
These were the rarest antique and vintage tea cups that have sold for insane prices in past sales. Like the cups, some antique teapots can also be worth a lot. You can learn how to identify rare antique teapots with my guide now!
