Starbucks Collectible Mugs: A Rise in Black Market Value

Discover the fascinating world of collectible Starbucks cups, where each mug tells a unique story linked to a city or country through colorful and creative designs. This article examines the famous City Collection as well as the black market that has developed around these coveted items, while highlighting the collections most sought after by enthusiasts. Dive into the world of Starbucks mugs and see how their value continues to grow among collectors.

While writing my previous article on collectible espresso cups, my research led me to examine Starbucks brand cups. I discovered the existence of large mug collections, notably the “City Collection” series.

Starbucks had the genius idea to create cups featuring cities or countries, sold exclusively in the corresponding regions. As a result, a “black market” for cups has emerged on the Internet. People, unable to travel to certain cities or countries to purchase the cup they desire, turn to specialized “intermediaries” who buy and resell Starbucks cups.

The origins of “Collectible Mugs/Starbucks City Mugs”

Starbucks collectible mugs, also known as Starbucks City Mugs, have captivated coffee lovers and collectors since their creation. Launched in 1994, this series quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique concept: each mug represents a city or country, often with iconic motifs and symbols of the region.

The first series, “City Collection”, included mugs from American and international cities. Over the years, Starbucks has expanded its range to include series such as “Global Icon Series”, “You Are Here”, and more recently, “Been There”. Each series offers a distinct perspective on the places represented, with artistic and often very colorful designs.

In terms of diversity, it is estimated that there are more than 2000 mug variants across the different collections, each with its own particularities and charm. Among the most sought-after are mugs from cities like Tokyo, New York, and Paris, which often top collectors’ wish lists.

There is no shortage of anecdotes surrounding these mugs. For example, a mug from the “Seattle First Store” series, representing the first store of this brand, sold for more than $2000 on eBay. This rare piece, from a limited edition, has become a true icon for collectors.

This person has collected 409 mugs from the “You are here” series. (source

Each series has its distinctive characteristics. The “City Collection” focused on simple and clean designs, often with stylized cityscapes. The “Global Icon Series”, introduced in 2008, added cultural and historical elements, making each mug unique and more detailed. The “You Are Here”, launched in 2013, is known for its modern and vibrant illustrations, capturing the essence of places with a contemporary touch. The “Been There” series, which began in 2018, continues this tradition with even more dynamic and narrative designs.

Starbucks mugs are not only souvenirs, but also precious collectibles for many enthusiasts around the world. The hunt for rare mugs and trading among collectors have created a passionate and dedicated community. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a collector, these mugs tell a unique story of each place they represent, while celebrating local art and culture.

How Much Starbucks Mugs Are Worth

Starbucks does not sell its cups online but only in their stores. My research shows that mugs from the “Been There” series are sold globally at roughly the same price (between 35 and 60€ depending on the city) on different platforms (eBay, Amazon affiliate link…). Within this price range, you essentially find cups from the latest series. In other words, these are the same cups you can find in your local Starbucks, then resold online.

However, certain series being harder to find or no longer in production may lead some sellers to offer them at prices above market value. Here is a selection of my somewhat extraordinary finds.

Where to find rare and collectible Starbucks mugs?

A simple online search reveals numerous sites selling Starbucks mugs. Among them, this site stands out as a reference for collectors. It offers a wide range of mugs from different series, such as “Been There” and “You Are Here”, with detailed information about each collection, including release dates and interesting anecdotes. The site also facilitates buying and trading rare and sought-after mugs.

Conclusion

I must say that I had no idea about this aspect of the Starbucks mug black market, nor even that certain rare mugs have sold for several thousand dollars at auction. In any case, even though Starbucks is not a company I idolize like some people do (because I don’t like the coffee they offer), I must admit that they make very beautiful mugs.

When traveling, I will certainly buy some as souvenirs. Currently, I only have the “Montreal” mug even though I’ve visited several countries. The next mug from this brand that I buy will very likely be one from Japan, a destination I would really like to visit.

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