McCoy Yellow Planter or Pot (Shape 209)
Ceramic pottery / Utilitarian decorative art • McCoy Pottery (The Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Co.)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / American Industrial Art Pottery
Medium & Technique
Glazed earthenware; slip-cast production with a mustard or harvest gold semi-gloss glaze
Creation Period
Circa 1940s-1960s (Mid-Century Modern era)
Dimensions & Format
Circular base, approximately 4 to 6 inches in diameter; cylindrical or tapered format
Subject Description
The piece is a functional vessel, likely a planter or cookie jar base, featuring a monochromatic yellow glaze. The base includes an impressed '209' mold number, the 'McCoy' mark with overlapping letters, and 'USA' designation.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; exhibit visible shelf wear on the unglazed foot rim and minor surface debris
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely mass-marketed in the United States; acquired from a secondary market such as a thrift store or antique mall as suggested by the background environment
Art Historical Significance
McCoy is one of the most iconic American art pottery companies. The 200-series molds represent their mid-century expansion into accessible, colorful home decor for the growing American middle class.
Notable Features
Features the classic 'McCoy' mark with the connected 'M' and 'c' which helps date the piece to the mid-20th century, and a clearly legible mold number '209'.
Condition Issues
Friction wear on the bottom rim, possible fine crazing in the glaze (common for McCoy), and minor 'cold paint' loss if the upper portion was decorated.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water; avoid abrasive pads to prevent scratching the glaze; maintain in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent further crazing.