Precious Moments Figurines
The eyes that captured America
"Precious" and "priceless" are synonymous when it comes to the Precious Moments dolls.
Art critics might knock the Precious Moments dolls for being kitsch, but lovers of America's top collectible would rather appraise the sentimental value of the teardrop-eyed children. Under the Enesco Corporation in Japan, craftspeople take three years to master those teardrop eyes that enrapture us.
Quick nut-shell facts
- Sam Butcher created these soulful children as illustrative gifts for friends and family
- Overwhelming enthusiasm at a Christian Booksellers Association Convention led to Enesco Corporation designing bisque figurines from Butcher's illustrations in 1978
- The collection now has over 1,500 figurines
- In 2005, Precious Moments, Inc. became the distributor
For the casual and serious collector
The angelic, childlike figurines are marketed for the casual but poignant collector and the seeker of rare finds. Dolls and wares are molded for almost any occasion and range from Christian-inspired to Disney tributes. Every year, models are discontinued, or exclusive and special-edition lines are made.
The Precious Moments Park in Carthage, Missouri, has been home to collector conventions, but many stores across the nation (and Canada) have created local chapters for enthusiasts.
Choose your moment
The tag value on a doll depends on how "special" it is. The AbbeyPress catalog offers PM dolls from $20 to $150, ranging from mass market to special editions, and even some with the personalized touch. Personalization may decrease its value on the collector's market but increases its worth to the recipient.
The complete set of the original 21 figurines is auctioning on eBay at $1,600. Too much? A 1979 "Lord Bless You and Keep You" sold for $4.99.
Such range makes it easy to understand why these figurines have become the top collectible in the U.S.