If you are from the 80s or 90s, chances are high that you’ve sipped hot tea, cocoa, or soup from a Corella cup at some point in your life. But what if I tell you that cup could be worth a small fortune? That’s right!
Vintage Corelle tea cups are making a comeback. And it’s not just the historical value, but the monetary value of these pieces that people are attracted to. In this guide, I’ll show the most collectible Corelle tea cups trending today!
What’s the Popularity Behind Corelle Tea Cups?
The vintage Corelle tea cups from our early kitchens carry with them decades of history and unmatched designs, making them coveted among collectors. Here are some other reasons why people continue to seek these classic beauties.
The Three-Layer Glass Innovation
What makes Corelle different from its counterparts is its durability! And, how is it achieved? With the brand’s signature tempered three-layer glass, ‘Vitrelle.’
It features a unique glass composition that bonds three layers of glass together to form lightweight cups and plates resistant to chipping and cracking.
Historical Significance
Corelle patterns have been around for five decades and have beautifully captured American design trends and color preferences of early American homes. Each piece has a story to tell about the era it was created in, and that’s why people like collecting them.
Scarcity of Specific Patterns
Though Corelle was mass-produced, not all patterns were produced in large quantities. Some were limited runs, produced for a few years or a specific season, and holiday exclusives. These patterns are hard to find, making them collectible.
Accessibility
Vintage Corelle is accessible to collectors, irrespective of their budget or experience. It doesn’t require any expert-level knowledge or deep pockets to start collecting. And that is the best part!
15 Most Popular Vintage Corelle Teacups Worth Collecting
Here’s a list of the most popular vintage Corelle teacup designs that are worth collecting!
1. “Old Town Blue” Tea Cups and Saucers
Also called ‘Blue Onion,’ this set of six “Old Town Blue” tea cups features delicate blue motifs and veins around the rims and hoop handles. Designed by the artist Cynthia Gerow, this pattern is inspired by the ancient Meissen’ Blue Onion’ pottery design, making it sought-after!
This is another beautiful, timeless design by Corelle, a perfect combination of classic and modern style. The Blue Onion pattern was discontinued in 1982, which has developed a form of nostalgia among collectors.
| Average Price | $12 to $50 (small sets), $50+ (full sets) |
| Production Year | 1972 to 1982 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Blue Blue Floral & Veins on White |
| Special Feature | Inspired by Meissen’s ‘Blue Onion’ |
2. “Butterfly Gold” Hook Handle Tea Cups
This set of 12 “Butterfly Gold” Corelle tea cups reflects the cozy, warm aesthetic of the 70s, with its gold butterflies and floral motifs along the rims. The cups have unique open hook handles for easy holding.
This is one of the earliest patterns and a part of the ‘Pyrex Compatibles’ series by Corelle, and is quite popular. A complete collection often sells between $40 and $90, but rare or well-kept pieces may fetch higher values.
| Average Price | $30 to $70 (large sets) |
| Production Year | 1970 to 1981 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Gold Butterflies & Floral Motifs on White |
3. “Spring Blossom Green” Tea Cups Set
“Spring Blossom Green” is one of the first five Corelle Livingware patterns, which is why these tea cups are always super collectible. This set has 12 tea cups and saucers, all featuring a green floral design on the rim.
Commonly called ‘Crazy Daisy,’ these sets are very popular among collectors for their retro floral design and compatibility with the very famous ‘Spring Blossom Green’ items from Pyrex.
While the individual pieces of “Spring Blossom Green” tea cups are priced from $5 to $15, complete sets can be worth $30 or more.
| Average Price | $5-$20 (small sets); $30-$50 (full sets) |
| Production Year | 1972 to 1986 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Small Green Daisy-like Floral Border |
4. “Wild Flower” Tea Cups & Saucers Set
This tea cup and saucer set features “Wildflower,” one of Corelle’s retired patterns, which shows a bright mixture of big orange poppies, small yellow and blue flowers, and green leaves. The saucers are plain, featuring a bold green band on the rim.
The Wildflower pattern is included within the brand’s exclusive ‘Expression Series,’ so it is highly collectible. Thus, sets using this pattern fetch high prices when in good condition: $5 to $20 for individual pieces and $20 to $90 for sets.
| Average Price | $5-$20 (small sets); $20-$30 (full sets) |
| Production Year | 1977/78 to 1986 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green Foliage |
| Production Note | Part of the ‘Expression Series’ |
5. “Indian Summer” Closed Handle Tea Cups
Tea cups with the “Indian Summer” pattern feature warm Autumn leaves and yellow, orange florals in earthy tones. This harvest-inspired pattern is set on a crisp white background and designed for everyday use and the holiday season.
When it comes to value, a single cup can fetch $15, while a set of cups may reach up to $15, or even $15 to $30 with saucers. This iconic design is part of the brand’s ‘Expression Series’ and is quite sought after by collectors.
| Average Price | $5-$15 (small sets); $15-$30 (full sets) |
| Production Year | 1977 to 1985 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Vibrant Autumn Leaves & Florals |
| Production Note | Part of the “Expression Series’ |
6. “Abundance” Corelle Tea Cups
The “Abundance” pattern is a harvest-inspired design of fruits and green leaves, often including berries, grapes, and oranges. The bounty of the Autumn fruits in this pattern represents abundance and prosperity; hence, it is titled the same.
Abundance is a standout pattern from Corelle because fruit patterns were less popular than florals. This is what makes Abundance tea cups highly sought-after.
Usually, you will find a single tea cup priced around $5, while full or large sets with saucers can range from $15 to $30, depending on condition.
| Average Price | $5-$10 (single cups/small sets); $15-$30 (large sets) |
| Production Year | 1991 to the 2000s |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Fruits & Leaves in Red, Green, Orange, Purple |
7. “Woodland Brown” Open Hook Handle Tea Cups
If you love whimsical botanical motifs, check out this “Woodland Brown” tea cup set of 12 cups and saucers. Each piece displays brown floral and leaf silhouettes on white Vitrelle glass. These cups come with an open hook handle.
Being relatively modern, this pattern is of moderate value today. Sets of only cups can sell for $5 to $10, while a full set with saucers can range from $10 to $25 or $30.
| Average Price | $5-$10 (single cups/small sets); $15-$30 (large sets) |
| Production Year | 1978 to 1985/1986 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Brown Flower Border |
8. “Snowflake Blue” Tea Cups and Saucers
The “Snowflake Blue” tea cups from Corelle depict a string of blue snowflakes, swags, and dots. This forms a decorative border around the rims of the teacups and saucers. Since the design is like a garland, it’s also fondly known as ‘Snowflake Garland.’
If you have a set of Blue Snowflake Garland Pyrex casseroles with lids, these tea cups are a must-have!
| Average Price | $5 to $10 (small sets); $10 to $30+ (full sets) |
| Production Year | 1970 to 1976 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Blue Snowflakes, Swags, and Dots |
| Production Notes | Compatible with Pyrex Snowflake |
9. “April” Tea Cups
Here we have a small set of two Corelle tea cups with the “April” pattern. You can spot this design by the soft yellow flowers and green leaves on the white surface, silently yelling, ‘Spring is here!’
The April pattern from Corelle had a short run of two years; hence, these pieces can be relatively more valuable.
While this set of two “April” Corelle cups sold for just $7, large sets or full sets with saucers can fetch up to $25.
| Average Price | $5-$7 (small sets); $10-$25+ (full sets) |
| Production Year | 1977 to 1979 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Yellow Flowers & Green Leaves |
10. “Meadow” Tea Cups and Saucers
Here’s a set of 4 “Meadow” tea cups and saucers featuring a vibrant bouquet of yellow, blue, and orange flowers with green stems and leaves. The saucers of this pattern lack the floral print, but have a dark green band on the edges.
Due to a long 10-year production, tea cups and sets with this pattern are quite common, often ranging from $20 to $25 for full sets.
| Average Price | $5-$15 (small sets); $20-$25+ (full sets) |
| Production Year | 1976 to 1986 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | A Cluster of Colorful Flowers & Leaves |
11. “Blue Heather” Closed Handle Tea Cups
Just like the name suggests, Corelle’s “Blue Heather” tea cups show soft blue flowers and green vines. The subtle floral display is featured on both sides of the cups over a white glass background, while the saucers only have a blue border.
The minimal style and a vintage charm of this pattern make it collectible for people who prefer simple dinnerware. However, the value stays moderate for most pieces.
| Average Price | $7 to $10 (cup sets); $10-$30 (full sets) |
| Production Year | 1977 to 1981 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Soft Blue Flowers and Green Vines |
12. “Blue Velvet Rose” Closed Handle Tea Cups
If you like proper retro-style tea cups, look for Corelle “Blue Velvet Rose” pieces. This pattern features a large cluster of blue roses at the center.
What sets this pattern apart is that the blue motifs are set against a swirled background, unlike the other patterns on a plain white base. And despite being newer, the classic blue-and-white color scheme makes these cups collectible.
| Average Price | $15 to $30 (large cup sets) |
| Production Year | 1996 to 2006 |
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Pattern | Rose & Foliage in Blue Shades |
13. “Winter Frost White” Tea Cups
Now the “Winter Frost White” tea cups don’t exactly display a floral or other design. Instead, they have a classic, timeless all-white body that complements any decor.
Released in 1970, this is one of the most iconic Corelle base patterns, still in production and always in style. If you are not much into ‘decorative’ patterns, this set is a must-have for you!
And surprisingly, these cups can outprice many colorful Corelle patterns. Large cup-only sets or cup and saucer sets can fetch up to $50 to $80!
| Average Price | $50-$80 (large sets); $20-$30 (small sets) |
| Production Year | 1970 |
| Production Status | Continued |
| Pattern | Plain White Surface |
| Production Note | Still Under Production |
These vintage Corelle teacup patterns explain how an ordinary cup can become a meaningful collectible. If you are building a display collection of vintage Corelle teacups or want to sell one of yours, this guide will help you!
Note: This article is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Some images are illustrative and may not represent actual brands, products, or related entities. All trademarks, product names, brand logos, packaging, and other intellectual property referenced remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. Any brand mentions or references are provided solely for descriptive and educational context and do not imply any formal or commercial association.
