The Lillian Russell Cigar is yet another sought-after matchbook cover because so few are left and with increased scarcity comes higher value. For instance, a matchbook cover depicting the 1965 season schedule for the Boston Red Sox sold for over $2,000. Some of the rarest matchbook covers made political statements in the World War II era, while other valued matchbook covers depict sports teams. Unfortunately, by 2012, only eleven remained in the entire world, leaving most collectors only dreaming of seeing the Charles Lindbergh matchbook in person. But what we know is only around 200 copies were made for a special dinner at the Astor Hotel in New York to pay tribute to Lindbergh’s 1927 flight across the Atlantic.Īnother reason for this matchbook rarity is there are only a few left in existence. Why is this matchbook cover so unique? No one knows for sure.

Interestingly, it landed a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as most valuable in the world after one sold for $6,000 in 2015. The Charles Lindbergh matchbook isn’t just rare-it’s among the most sought-after matchbook covers. It’s possible it’s handmade! Seeing the true Mendelson Opera matchbook is a rarity because the photos displaying it are infrequent. Not only is this matchbook vintage, but only a limited number came out in the late 1800s. The Mendelson Opera matchbook was one of the first attempts at using matchbooks for marketing. made this matchbook, Binghamton Match Co. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable matchbook covers in history! Mendelson Opera Matchbookĭespite the commonly accepted belief Diamond Match Co. While some collect coins or stamps, phillumenists collect matchbooks. Some matchbook covers were early attempts at advertising, and others were pure artistry. Over the years, countless matchbooks have come out.

In 1892, Joshua Pusey invented the matchbook, and within two years, Diamond Match Company purchased all the rights to it.

Vintage matchbook cover