by Zoe Trudeaux

Created on: July 27, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

PEZ dispensers are fun and easy to collect. After all, it's hard to resist a brightly colored character head on top of a candy filled container. Collectors (also referred to as "PEZheads") come from all walks of life. Some are serious and experienced and some are just in it for the fun. Whether you are an amateur or an expert, it's easy to fall in love with PEZ collecting.

PEZ dispensers were introduced to the US in the 1950s, but have actually been around since 1927. They were originally created by Austrian Edward Hass III as adult breath mints. They were named after the first, middle, and last letters of the German word for peppermint (pfefferminz). In 1952, the first fruit flavored PEZ came out with character heads on them, and they have been a favorite ever since.

VALUABLE PEZ DISPENSERS

The early PEZ dispensers did not have feet (which were not added until 1987) and these are some of the most valuable ones. Collectors look for dispensers that are in complete and original condition. They first look at the head for color and style variations, and then they look at the base. Dispensers with unusual colors or accessories are more valued, as well as those that are kept in the original packaging.

Some of the most valuable non-characters are the baseball PEZ (with a bat, ball, and glove), the Calculator, and the gun (that shoots PEZ candies). Other favorite characters are from the 1960s Disney line, such as Bambi and Captain Hook. Mickey Mouse is also a valuable collectors item. Some collectors only collect the many different variations of Mickey Mouse. Others collect dispensers from different countries. You can start your collection for roughly $2, but collectors are willing to pay several hundred dollars for valuable dispensers.

START A COLLECTION

If you are just beginning your collection, or want to start one for your children, buy characters related to popular movies or TV shows, such as Star Wars. Lines, such as the Looney Tunes characters, from the 1980s and 1990s are becoming more popular and are likely to increase in value. PEZ dispensers are often overlooked at flea markets, yard sales and at online auctions. Take advantage of the low prices and easy finds.

FANTASY PEZ DISPENSERS

The PEZ company has never created a dispenser with a real persons face on it, so if you see one, it is not authentic. These are termed "fantasy" PEZ dispensers. Examples include the KISS band members or Elvis Presley. These may not be authentic, but they are desirable among avid collectors.

KID-FRIENDLY

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