Worth My Find

McCoy Pottery Value & Identification

Medium confidence
Maker
Nelson McCoy Pottery
Era
1910–1990
Material
Pottery
Category
McCoy pottery (cookie jars & planters)
Key marks
Impressed "McCoy", "USA" or "NM" on the base

Estimated value · from sold prices

$15 – $1,000

Indicative educational range — not a formal appraisal.

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McCoy is a beloved mid-century American pottery, best known for cookie jars and planters. Common planters and vases sell for about $15–$80, while collectible cookie jars — especially figural ones — run $50–$300, and the most sought-after figural jars reach into the hundreds. An original, matching lid is essential for cookie jars (a missing lid cuts value 50–80%). Two big cautions: counterfeit McCoy cookie jars (notably certain figural designs) flood the market, so compare mark crispness and weight; and Brush-McCoy is a different company. Verify the impressed McCoy mark, confirm the lid, and check condition (chips are severe) before valuing.

What drives the value

Form

Cookie jars — especially figural — beat common planters and vases.

Original lid & condition

A matching original lid is essential; chips cut value hard.

Authenticity

Counterfeit figural jars are common — verify mark crispness and weight.

Typical sold price ranges

Item / conditionTypical range
McCoy planter / vase · no chips
eBay Sold ranges (2024–2026); ID per thepotteries.org
$15–$80
McCoy figural cookie jar w/ lid · genuine, complete
eBay Sold / collector recaps (2024–2026)
$50–$300+

Counterfeit McCoy cookie jars are widespread — verify the mark and weight; a missing lid or a reproduction drastically changes value.

Care & conservation

Confirm the McCoy mark (not Brush-McCoy); keep the original lid; check for chips.

Frequently asked

Are McCoy cookie jars faked?

Yes — some figural McCoy cookie jars are widely counterfeited. Compare mark crispness, weight and glaze to a known original before paying a premium.

Does a missing lid matter?

A lot — a cookie jar missing its original lid typically loses 50–80% of its value. The matching lid is essential.

Related guides

Need a certified valuation for insurance or sale? This tool is an educational screening aid, not a formal appraisal — consult a professional appraiser for a legal or insurance-grade valuation.