Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Coin Dot Vase Value Guide

This Fenton Art Glass vase is a quintessential example of mid-20th-century American craftsmanship, featuring the iconic Coin Dot pattern produced in Williamstown, West Virginia. The striking contrast between the deep cranberry hue and the milky opalescent finish makes these ruffled-top pieces highly prized by glass collectors.

What Is Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Coin Dot Vase Worth?

The typical price range for Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Coin Dot Vase is $70 - $85 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition is paramount; any chips, cracks, or 'flea bites' on the delicate ruffled edges will significantly lower the $70-$85 value.
• The intensity and consistency of the opalescent 'fire' throughout the coin dots and the rim.
• Clarity of the cranberry glass, ensuring there is no cloudiness or 'sick glass' from improper storage.
• Size and shape variations, with the classic ruffled-top vase being the most recognizable standard for collectors.

How to Identify Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Coin Dot Vase?

• Examine the 'Coin Dot' pattern for raised, symmetrical glass circles that catch the light.
• Look for the characteristic milky, shimmering opalescence concentrated on the raised dots and the ruffled rim.
• Check the base for a pontil mark or Fenton logo, though many pieces from the 1940-1960 era may only have remnants of a paper label.
• Verify the deep cranberry color, which was achieved by Fenton using gold chloride in the glass batch.

History of Fenton Cranberry Opalescent Coin Dot Vase

Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. and John W. Fenton, became one of the largest manufacturers of handmade art glass in the United States. Located in Williamstown, West Virginia, Fenton was renowned for its diverse range of colors and patterns. The 'Coin Dot' pattern, with its raised glass dots, was a popular design, often produced in opalescent colors like cranberry, which displayed a milky, shimmering quality when held to light. These pieces were highly sought after during the mid-20th century and remain collectibles today due to their craftsmanship and iconic aesthetic.