In recent months, we've seen an huge increase in popularity and higher demand for unique and older Starbucks Sleeves. Collectors want them and are willing to pay BIG dollars to get them. Once-upon-a-time not too many years ago, many of these same Sleeves were "throw-away" items. Many would sell in the $1 - $5 range...and not much more. Today, these same Sleeves can demand over $100 and higher. Examples include the Valentines 2002 Sleeve with the red heart, one of the first commercial releases when the Starbucks Card was new. To date, we've only seen two on eBay, a true rarity. Another example is the Limited Edition Safeco Field Sleeve. It's charming and one of the more interesting Sleeves available. If you want one today, expect to pay a hefty premium.

Keep your eyes open for the Flamingo Sleeve or the Spring 2002 Coffee Cup Sleeve (with the bee). Other notable mentions are the Nations, the Snowflake (paper or tin), or the Taiwan Butterfly Sleeves. Each are growing in demand and will generate a nice return.

Many of you that watch eBay auctions probably noticed the Test-Prototype Sleeves that closed May 6th. Who would have thought that a paper Sleeve would bring over $1000? It's possible that someone in Boise, Idaho (the test city) has one or more of these Sleeves in a desk drawer - not knowing the value they possess. Read more about them under SPECIAL EDITION SLEEVES on the Special Sleeves page.

We've always said "It's the hunt that makes collecting fun." Even today, we're surprised to find new items that have surfaced from previous years. A good example is the 118th Sleeve that surfaced from Taiwan recently. This Sleeve was issued in 2003 for the opening of the 118th Store. Not until now did anyone know about it, making it another unusual find.

Sleeves are interesting to collect as the print runs are much smaller than the Cards, and most are tossed after their usefulness is over making them even rarer than the Card counterpart. If you have a Starbucks Card collection, adding the matching Sleeves helps the overall value, and one day when you decide to sell your collection, you too might be laughing all the way to the bank!