What’s the Value of Diana's 90s Capsule Collection Today?

The wooden time capsule buried by Princess Diana at Great Ormond Street Hospital in the 1990s may have a monetary value in the hundreds of pounds. Despite being linked to one of the most beloved royals, antique experts suggest its true worth lies in its historical significance rather than its face value.

Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The time capsule contains items like a pocket TV, a Kylie Minogue album, and a Royal Mint coin.
• Experts estimate the capsule's worth could range in the hundreds due to its connection to Princess Diana.
• Many items within the capsule are in poor condition, which affects their overall value.
• The historical context and provenance may enhance the collectability of these items.
• Royal memorabilia associated with Princess Diana is generally more sought after than other royal items.

Background of the Time Capsule

The time capsule was buried in 1993 to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone for the Variety Building Club at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Princess Diana served as president from 1989 until her passing in 1997. The capsule was intended to be opened centuries later, revealing a snapshot of life in the early 1990s.

Contents of the Capsule

Among the contents of the capsule is a variety of items that reflect the era, including:

• A 1991 UK Brilliant Uncirculated Annual 7 Coin Set
• A pocket LCD television, model Casio TV-430
• A Kylie Minogue album, which was popular at the time
• A copy of The Times newspaper from the day of the capsule’s burial
• A solar-powered calculator and an EU passport
• A sheet of recycled paper and a container with five tree seeds

Each item tells a story and provides insight into the culture and technology of the early 1990s, making them intriguing to collectors and historians alike.

Valuation Insights from Experts

Antique specialists have weighed in on the potential value of the items within the capsule. Angus Ashworth, owner of Ryedale Auctioneers, believes that while the items may not have significant face value, their connection to Princess Diana could elevate their worth to the hundreds of pounds range. He asserts, “You’re buying a piece of history that’s associated with her.”

The Coin Set

Dominic Chorney, a coin specialist at Baldwins, has estimated the value of the coin set to be between £10 to £20. He notes that the coins would have been valued similarly in 1991. However, he also points out that if sold as part of a collection, their value could rise significantly. He states, “Due to the unique nature of the time capsule and its link to one of the most popular historical figures in recent years, I believe the coins and their accompanying items could be worth substantially more if they were ever sold.”

Other Items and Their Worth

The Kylie Minogue album, released in November 1990, currently fetches around £3.91 on eBay, a drop from its estimated £14 value in 1991. The LCD Casio TV-430, once priced at £100, can now be bought for about £8.53. These diminishing values reflect the general depreciation of consumer electronics and media over time, yet the items' association with Princess Diana could still enhance their desirability among collectors.

The Degradation of the Items

Despite the historical significance, many items in the time capsule have reportedly degraded over the years. Chorney indicates that collectors typically seek items in good condition, and the poor state of these objects could hinder their market value. However, he also acknowledges that the story behind their discovery could augment their collectability.

Provenance and Market Demand

The provenance of the items—where they came from and their historical significance—can play a vital role in their value. The narrative surrounding Princess Diana, who remains a prominent figure in royal history, adds a layer of intrigue and desirability to the items. “The provenance and story behind the discovery adds a new layer of collectability, and would surely positively impact their value, were they ever sold,” Chorney notes.

Princess Diana’s Lasting Legacy

Princess Diana's connection to the items in the time capsule is significant. Many royal memorabilia items do not hold strong monetary value, but Diana’s legacy continues to resonate with the public, making anything associated with her highly prized. Ashworth noted, “Royal memorabilia is not necessarily that strong, but Diana is probably one of the most desirable connections in the royal family.”

The Future of the Time Capsule

Originally intended to be opened far into the future, the capsule has been accessed to facilitate the construction of a new children’s cancer centre. This unexpected turn of events has not only unearthed a historic collection but has also sparked interest in the potential value of the items buried within. The unique circumstances of its opening may further enhance the story surrounding the capsule, creating additional interest among collectors and historians alike.

Conclusion: The Value of History

While the monetary value of the time capsule’s contents may not reach astronomical figures, their connection to Princess Diana and the context of their burial provide a rich narrative that could capture the hearts of collectors and fans of royal history. As the story evolves, the items could find new appreciation, reminding us of the enduring impact of one of the most beloved figures in modern history.

What do you think the future holds for the time capsule and its contents? Will they become valuable pieces of history, or remain a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era? #PrincessDiana #RoyalMemorabilia #TimeCapsule

FAQs

What is included in Princess Diana's time capsule?

The time capsule contains various items such as a pocket TV, a Kylie Minogue album, a Royal Mint coin set, a solar-powered calculator, and a copy of The Times newspaper from the burial day.

How much is the time capsule worth?

Experts estimate that the contents of the time capsule could be worth in the hundreds of pounds, mainly due to their association with Princess Diana, rather than their face value.

Why is Princess Diana's memorabilia more valuable?

Items associated with Princess Diana are often more sought after due to her popularity and enduring legacy, making them highly desirable among collectors compared to other royal memorabilia.

What condition are the items in the time capsule?

Many items in the capsule have degraded over time and are reported to be in very poor condition, which can negatively impact their value to collectors.

What does provenance mean in the context of collectibles?

Provenance refers to the history of ownership and the origin of an item. In collectibles, a strong provenance can enhance an item's desirability and market value.