Are precious moments still made? Each year new Precious Moments figurines are produced and some are limited in production. Once those figurines are sold, the mold is retired and indefinitely withdrawn from production.
How much are precious moments collectibles worth?
A few limited-edition Precious Moments collectibles, like this one signed by Precious Moments sculptor Hiko Maeda, can sell for a few hundred dollars on eBay, and other figurines from the peak of the Precious Moments craze, such as this 1981 musical figurine, “Silent Knight,” can still fetch more than $100.
When did the original 21 precious moments come out?
In 1978, the Original 21 Precious Moments figurines were released to worldwide acclaim and a new collecting and gift-giving tradition was born. Around the world, Precious Moments became known for its beautiful, hand-painted porcelain bisque figurines featuring children with captivating teardrop-shaped eyes.
What is the Precious Moments Foundation?
Today, the Precious Moments Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of the Precious Moments Chapel so that thousands of visitors can enjoy its artistic beauty each year. Precious Moments has been committed to philanthropic causes and giving back to the community locally and globally.
When did Jonathan and David make Precious Moments figurines?
Precious Moments Figurines: From Giftware To Collectible Treasures In the fall of 1978, Sam Butcher, Bill Biel and Gene Freedman introduced the first 21 Figurines to giftware retailers under the company name, Jonathan & David.
Are Precious Moments still manufactured?
Each year new Precious Moments figurines are produced and some are limited in production. Once those figurines are sold, the mold is retired and indefinitely withdrawn from production.
Are Precious Moments worth anything anymore?
Today, there's a thriving online market for classic Precious Moments memorabilia, and one figurine in particular could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It's a porcelain sculpture called “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver,” and it is one of the original 21 Precious Moments collectibles released in 1979.
What is the most valuable Precious Moments figurine?
As for “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver,” it became the most valuable figurine from the original collection with an estimated worth of $1,300 at its height.
Are people still buying Precious Moments?
We are active buyers of Precious Moments and fine collectible figurines. Below you will find some important information about your Precious Moments including values, packing tips and how our buying process works. Thanks for visiting and considering our services.
Why are Precious Moments so expensive?
What's The Appeal? Part of what makes the Precious Moments figurines worth so much money is that only one of the “Original 21” figurines is still available for purchase. (You can learn more about all of the Original 21 figures here.)
Are snow babies worth anything?
The value of Snow babies has increased tremendously over the last few years. They typically sell for $50 to $100 each when they are in good condition. Several collectors dream of finding the rarest Snow babies, sometimes worth thousands of dollars each.
Are Precious Moments worth anything without the box?
Although not a big factor in value, expect to lose between 5% and 20% of the value of a Precious Moments figurine if you are missing the original box. Note that box condition is less important than figurine condition.
Are Hummels worth anything today?
Most Hummel figurines are worth $50-$75. Some models reach several hundred dollars. Special individual Hummel figurines can be sold for thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars. For a good starting point, reference this Hummel Figurine Guide, but note that prices can vary widely depending on certain factors.
How do I sell my figurines?
0:171:42How to Sell Collectible Action Figures - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 2 sell your item to a local comic book shop antique shop or specialty store this will probablyMoreStep 2 sell your item to a local comic book shop antique shop or specialty store this will probably get you the least amount of revenue for your item.
What do I do with my Precious Moments?
Search auction websites like eBay for the same retired figurines and examine the amount of activity for those figurines, including the final sale prices. Some intermediary companies will buy Precious Moments figurines from you directly, with the aim of selling it on, as long as the item is in good condition.
Who owns Precious Moments?
Samuel J. ButcherThe History Of Precious Moments, Part 2: The Founding Of Jonathan And David. The Precious Moments story is really a story about the profound faith of the Precious Moments founder, Samuel J. Butcher. He trusts God completely, even when it seems like there is no earthly solution.
What do the symbols on the bottom of Precious Moments mean?
Every Precious Moments figurine created after 1981 has a marking on the bottom that indicates its production year. For example, there is a triangle printed on the bottom of each 1981 figurine, and a chapel on each one from 2014.
What is precious moments?
Precious Moments Company, Inc. ( PMI) is an American catalog order company that sells giftware. The company was initially formed in 1978 by the illustrator Samuel J. Butcher, as a licensing company.
Where is the precious moments chapel?
The Chapel. The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri. The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri, is a theme park run by PMI. The "Chapel" itself is a structure within the park and was completed in 1989.
When did PMI end licensing?
In 2004, PMI and Enesco ended the licensing contract In addition to its original licensing duties, PMI's functions became product design, marketing, warehousing, and distribution. In 2008, PMI launched its new line of "Precious Girls Club" products, written by Cindy Kenney.
When was the PMI case dismissed?
In October 2008, the federal judge assigned to the case dismissed 15 of 18 claims against PMI in the suit, and in November 2008, a jury cleared PMI of any wrongdoing with regard to the remaining counts.
When did precious moments become collectibles?
But in less than two years after the figurines hit the shelves of gift stores across the nation, there were tens of thousands of members of the Precious Moments Collectors’ Club and by 1994 , Precious Moments figurines had become a worldwide collectible phenomenon. No one except God could have predicted this explosive success story.
Who created precious moments?
Just take a moment to contemplate the depth of love and faith that has been shared by these beautiful gifts. Sam Butcher and Master Sculptor Yasuhei Fujioka created the first Precious Moments collection with hearts and minds that had been touched by God in a very special way.
Why did Bill honk the car horn?
Bill honked the car horn in response to a bumper sticker that said "Honk If You Love Jesus". The woman driving the car likely forgot that this bumper sticker was on her car because she gave the men a dirty look and apparently said a few unkind words!
When did precious moments first come out?
The founder of Precious Moments and his business partners made the faithful choice early on to let God run the entire show, and the success they experienced after the public first saw the Original 21 Precious Moments figurines in 1979 was beyond their wildest dreams. In the end, the history of Precious Moments is a truly fascinating tale about ...
When were the first 21 figurines made?
In the fall of 1978 , Sam Butcher, Bill Biel and Gene Freedman introduced the first 21 Figurines to giftware retailers under the company name, Jonathan & David. Although the retailers did not have high hopes for product sales, they took a chance because of the excellent quality and stellar reputations of everyone involved. Believe it or not, these collectible treasures were not initially sold as collectibles, but as ordinary giftware!
Did the young man make a purchase?
Although the inspirational message about prayer touched his heart, the young man did not make a purchase. After he returned home, the young man was unable to get the image of that Precious Moments figurine out of his mind. Eventually, he returned to the store and purchased Prayer Changes Things.
How to contact precious moments?
If you are unable to locate the item with this function, feel free to contact our Mail Order Division: Via Toll-Free Call: 800-445-2220 Monday-Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm CST. Via Post: Precious Moments, Inc.
What is yearly production mark?
Yearly production marks provide us with a guide to determining the age of a particular figurine. The "triangle" marking signifies production during 1981, which was the first yearly production mark. For more information about the history of production marks, read this article in our blog.
How many figurines are made per year?
Generally, 25 to 40 new figurines are produced each launch, four times per year. Some figurines may be suspended or retired. Once a figurine is retired, the mold is broken and it will never again be produced. A suspended figurine means the figurine is indefinitely withdrawn from production.
What is precious moments?
As you read through this post, you'll see that the story of Precious Moments is ultimately a story about sharing the gift of love with the world by trusting in God's divine plans for our lives.
Who is the founder of precious moments?
Here, Gene Freedman handed a wrapped gift to the founding artist of Precious Moments, Sam Butcher. Little did they know that this precious moment would forever change the course of their lives. After all, this was the first time that Sam Butcher saw his artwork brought to life in a bisque porcelain figurine.
What inspired Sam Butcher's artwork?
With his extensive experience in the giftware industry and his intuitive sense of the deeply personal feelings that inspired Sam Butcher's artwork, Gene knew that words alone would not be enough to convince these faithful men. Instead of trying to convince them that he would treat their artwork with the utmost care, he decided to prove that Enesco was the right choice.
Where did Gene Freedman buy giftware?
Among his duties at Enesco Imports, Gene Freedman designed and purchased giftware from Europe and Asia . One day in early 1978, he made a stopover in Los Angeles while headed to Asia and decided that he would attend the L.A. Spring Gift Show.
Who convinced Bill Biel and Sam Butcher to make 3D porcelain figurines?
The three men had forged a very special bond of deeply held values and faithful beliefs. Gene Freedman's passionate commitment convinced Sam Butcher and Bill Biel that a line of 3D porcelain figurines based on their artwork was a real possibility.
Who created the precious moments figurine?
When later asked where he received his inspiration for the Precious Moments figurines he created, Fujioka enthusiastically responded, “From Sam!” Gene Freedman was pleased and excited when he saw the figurine created by Yasuhei Fujioka. With a hopeful attitude, Gene called Sam Butcher and Bill Biel to request a meeting.
Who made the Jonathan and David greeting cards?
It was truly a divine moment when the successful businessman first saw the posters and greeting cards made by Sam Butcher and Bill Biel for the Jonathan & David greeting card line at the gift show. According to Gene, “A friend brought me some cards and posters with illustrations of children with soulful teardrop eyes.
When were precious moments first released?
Precious Moments figurines were first released in 1979. The Original 21 collection was sold in gift shops all over the country, and the sculptures became a staple collector's item for a whole generation. eBay.
How much is the original God Loveth a Cheerful Giver figurine worth?
This figurine originally sold for $5. You can now sell it for at least a couple hundred bucks on eBay. The one shown here is cracked, and it's still listed for $155.
How much did God Loveth a Cheerful Giver sell for?
Some "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver" figurines have reportedly sold for $750, and valuations have been placed on it "in excess of $2,000," Paul Burton, a spokesperson for Woolvey Fine Antiques & Collectibles, told Today. eBay.
Who is the creator of precious moments?
The most popular signature to have or want on your Precious Moments figurine is that of creator and artist, Sam Butcher. His signature will add the most value. How much value depends on the prospective buyers; signed items pricing is much more volatile than unsigned pricing.
Why do people collect figurines?
Many of us purchase or collect figurines simply because they appeal to us. They are collected for what they are, not as long term investments. However, as manufacturers retire models and certain pieces become harder to find, the natural market forces will increase their values.
How does original packaging affect value?
Another reason that original packaging affects the value is that a figurine stored and/or shipped in original packaging is probably better protected than one that is not. Although not a big factor in value, expect to lose between 5% and 20% of the value of a Precious Moments figurine if you are missing the original box.
Is a figurine in perfect condition more valuable than a damaged one?
They can be easily chipped or cracked and many have small or exposed parts that can be broken off and lost. A figurine in perfect condition is clearly more valuable than a damaged one. Cleanliness is also a factor in condition but less of a concern as cleaning is usually possible without damage to the item.
