Collecting

When collecting marbles "the bigger, the better." Some marbles are 2 inches in diameter and older marbles of this size are always of value.

Conditions not everything, and marbles can be polished. But premium prices are paid for unpolished, good marbles with no nicks.

The best marbles are those with distinct designs with uniformity, not just a blob of color. Look for a lacy column in the center and an even swirl in the outer glass or designs similar to that of a nice paperweight. Also look for marbles with figurines blown into the glass and those with comic characters on the glass.