Peterson - Warmans PEZ Field Guide: Values & Identification

Collecting PEZ is still gaining popularity. It seems more people than ever are interested in these cute character pieces. Even with the higher costs of food, fuel, etc., attendance throughout the year at national PEZ conventions has been strong.

The items that seem to sell the best and have the most interest are the contemporary pieces.

Prices and demand for recent additions have held steady, while mid-range vintage pieces have softened to a degree.

The mid-range pieces, priced from $50 to $200, may have come down in price as much as 10 to 20 percent in some cases.

High-end dispensers and related material continue to have strong interest and selling prices reflect that fact. Current sales show, without a doubt, it's a buyers' market.

The vintage Uncle Sam dispenser shown is an example of how some prices have softened somewhat. When the first edition was published in 2004, the price was$175-$200; now it's valued at$125-$150.Uncle Sam, no feet, is part of the Bicentennial series released in 1975.

If you have been collecting the new releases for awhile and have been reluctant to move to the next price plateau, now is a great time to pick up some good deals.

A word of caution: When purchasing vintage PEZ, know what you are buying and, when possible, buy from a reputable dealer.

Indian Chiefs are among some dispensers being remade.

Several fake dispensers have recently been released to unknowing buyers via online auction sites. Dispensers such as Indian Chiefs, One-Eyed Monsters and Mimic the Monkey, to name a few, have been completely remade and sold as originals. Many of these sales have come from overseas sellers and the buyer has little recourse once they realize they have been taken.

If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take the time to read up and understand what the subtle characteristics of a certain dispenser should be.

When possible, attend a PEZ convention. There is no substitute for actually seeing a rare old dispenser in person, holding it, and giving it a thorough inspection before making a purchase.

It also helps to meet the dealers. Most are well known throughout the hobby and if there is a problem, they will stand behind what they are selling.

A bargain purchased online is no bargain if there is a problem with the dispenser.

PEZ the company continues to stay on top of the latest trends and licenses the hottest properties.

New dispensers are added regularly and other lines are retired almost as quickly.

Given the short retail lifespan of some of these offerings, speculation would say prices for these short runs will increase in the short term.

A set such as the unmasked Incredibles (European edition) is very difficult to find. This set was released in 2004 and now sells in the $60 to $70 range if you can find them.

The nest advice I can give anyone is to not buy as an investment. Buy only what you like, enjoy your purchase, and have FUN!

Fakes of this original One-Eyed Monster from the early 1970s began surfacing in 2007.