While the majority of antique enthusiasts know of or collect Hummel Figurines, the later produced Hummel Plates were not as widely collected. The first line of Hummel figurines were produced during 1935 but it wasn’t until 1971 that the annual Hummel Plates were released.
While some Hummel Figurines are priced well into the thousands, their cousins, the Hummel Plates are worth a lot less.
Production: The Original Hummel Annual Plates were produced from 1971 until 1995.
Who was the Producer of Hummel Plates?
Both Hummel Figurines and Hummel Plates were produced by Franz Goebel. Goebel was the fourth head of the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik which was a renowned porcelain company in Rödental, Germany.
After much negotiation, Franz Goebel was allowed to base his porcelain designs off the artworks by Bavarian nun, Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. While the rights were entirely Goebel’s, the final artist control was in Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel’s hands. The early designs by the sister were produced on post cards which is where they were first noticed by Goebel. Many of the designs featured young children which made for attractive porcelain pieces.
Unfortunately, sister Maria Innocentia Hummel was never able to see the success of the Hummel figurines as she passed away from tuberculosis during 1946 at the mere age of 37. While the Hummel Plates ceased production in 1995, Hummel Figurines are still produced today.
Condition and Value of a Hummel Plate
The condition of a Hummel Plate dictates it’s worth. A Hummel Plate that comes in the original box will fetch a higher asking price at an auction compared to one without a box. Chipped and cracked Hummel Plates are worth little unless they are among the first to be produced during the early 1970’s.
When talking about the money value of a Hummel Plate it can vary from as little as $10.00 to a couple of hundred dollars. The oldest Hummel plates are among the most valuable and sought after within the collection.
The First Hummel Plate
The first ever Hummel plate produced was released on the 100th anniversary of the Goebel factory that began in 1871. This first Hummel porcelain plate released in 1971, was titled ‘Heavenly Angel‘. This plate is 7 and a half inches in diameter and features an angel in a green dress holding a candle. Around the outer edge of the plate is a line of stars. The weight of this plate is approximately 15.8 ounces.
This Hummel plate, like all the later plates was crafted from porcelain and hand painted.
The value of this plate without the box ranges between $100.00 and $200.00 USD although a ‘Heavenly Angel’ collectors plate in good condition with a box can sell for up to $600.00 USD. A spike in price during the 1980’s saw these plates selling for over $2,500.00 USD.
A Collection of Hummel Annual Plates
In the table below you can find all of the Hummel Annual Collector Plates and their value in today’s society. Each Hummel Plate can be purchased for an amount between $30.00 USD and $150.00 USD.
The M.I Hummel Annual Plates won over the hearts of many collectors that already loved the porcelain figurines. Each plate depicts a new little character from the original Hummel drawings.
Fun Fact: All the plates within the collectors series have 33 stars around the outside except the 1973 edition which has 32.
| Title of Hummel Plate | Image of Hummel Plate |
Approximate Value of Hummel Plate (USD) |
| 1972 – Annual Plate
(Hear Ye, Hear Ye) |
 |
$75.00 |
|
1973 – Annual Plate (Globetrotter) |
 |
$50.00 |
|
1974 – Annual Plate (Goose Girl) |
 |
$40.00 |
|
1975 – Annual Plate (Ride into Christmas) |
 |
$50.00 |
| 1976 – Annual Plate
(Apple Tree Girl) |
 |
$50.00 |
|
1977 – Annual Plate (Apple Tree Boy) |
 |
$50.00 |
| 1978 – Annual Plate
(Happy Pastime) |
 |
$20.00 – $40.00 |
|
1979 – Annual Plate (Singing Lesson) |
 |
$40.00 |
| 1980 – Annual Plate
(School Girl) |
 |
$50.00 – $100.00 |
| 1981 – Annual Plate
(Umbrella Boy) |
 |
$40.00 |
|
1982 – Annual Plate (Umbrella Girl) |
 |
$65.00 – $100.00 |
|
1983 – Annual Plate (Postman) |
 |
$70.00 – $100.00 |
| 1984 – Annual Plate
(Little Helper) |
 |
$35.00 |
|
1985 – Annual Plate (Chick Girl) |
 |
$60.00 |
|
1986 – Annual Plate (Playmates) |
 |
$50.00 |
|
1987 – Annual Plate (Feeding Time) |
 |
$100.00 – $150.00 |
|
1988 – Annual Plate (Little Goat Herder) |
 |
$60.00 |
|
1989 – Annual Plate (Farm Boy) |
 |
$70.00 – $90.00 |
| 1990 – Annual Plate
(Sheppard Boy) |
 |
$100.00 – $120.00 |
|
1991 – Annual Plate (Just Resting) |
 |
$60.00 |
| 1992 – Annual Plate
(Wayside Harmony) |
 |
$100.00 – $120.00 |
|
1993 – Annual Plate (Doll Bath) |
 |
$60.00 |
| 1994 – Annual Plate
(Doctor) |
 |
$60.00 – $80.00 |
|
1995 – Annual Plate (Come Back Soon) |
 |
$80.00 |
I have 9 Hummel plates in their original boxes. Of course, in pristine condition. They begin at 1971 and end 1978. All eight of those are included, with 1972 duplicated. I do not know how to market them. I have never sold anything on eBay or online.
I have sold duplicate Hummel’s’ in y collection and I found the best way is to advertise locally (in your local newspaper/city magazines and local papers. You can get a better price as there is shipping or tax and you do not have to worry about breakage.
We have a collection of Hummel Plates in boxes thst we would like to sell. How do we find collectors for them?
Thanks!
I have a completee set of Hummel annual plates (1971-1995),all with boxes except 1971,all pristine. How can I sell them and what are they worth?
I Have HUMMel PLates years 1972 through 1978 in original boxes for sale.
Correction:I have all the boxes except one (for 1971).
I have inherited a collection of Hummel and other plates that I wish to sell just to gain the 24 cu ft of garage space. I’ll consider most any offer.
I would like the year1979.The year that my son was born in Germany. Thank you, Anita
I have entire collection first edition need to sell ASAP no boxes but stored nicely and amazing shape no chips .
I was recently given a few plates. All in great condition. Not in the boxes though.
100th anniversary 1909-2009
1981
1986
1985
1982
I’m willing to pay for the shipping, but in return looking for a decent return for each plate. Obviously, We can negotiate to a fair price. Let’s talk!!!
I have annual played in 1978 in original box. Anyone interested?
I have 1978, 1983, 1986, 1992 and 1994 annual plates all in boxes ( 1978 box is blue) no chips or cracks if anyone is interested
@Michelle, The Hummel annual plates are selling for $10 – 20 USD each at this time.
Ive got the following annual plates years- 73,82,84,88,89,&92 All in original box an good condition if anyone is interested text or call 812-9one7-8zero59