Green depression glass is the most widely produced color in the entire Depression-era glassware category, and for many collectors it’s the most desirable. Made during the 1920s through the early 1940s, green depression glass was distributed through dime stores, given away as flour sack premiums, and sold in grocery promotions to keep American households buying during the Great Depression. Today, hundreds of patterns exist in dozens of shades of green, and values range from a few dollars to several hundred for rare pieces in pristine condition. This guide covers identification, the most common and rarest patterns, and current market values for green depression glass.
What Is Green Depression Glass?
Depression glass is machine-made, mold-pressed glassware produced primarily between 1929 and 1939 by major American glass manufacturers including Anchor Hocking, Jeannette Glass, Federal Glass, Hazel-Atlas, Indiana Glass, and MacBeth-Evans. The green color was achieved by adding uranium oxide (for the yellow-green “vaseline” tints) or iron and chromium compounds (for the pure or blue-tinted greens). Most green depression glass glows under ultraviolet light due to trace uranium content — a quick and reliable way to confirm authenticity.
The three most commonly encountered green shades are:
- Pale green / celadon: A light, slightly yellow-green — the most common shade. Jeannette’s “jadeite” and Anchor Hocking’s pale greens fall in this range.
- Medium green: A richer, truer green used in many Anchor Hocking patterns and Hazel-Atlas pieces. More saturated than pale green.
- Forest / dark green: A deep, saturated green used in some later Anchor Hocking patterns like Forest Green (1950s) and a few Depression-era patterns. Technically post-Depression for Forest Green, but frequently included in Depression glass collections.
Green Depression Glass Pattern Identification
The pattern is embossed into the glass during manufacturing. To identify your pattern, hold the piece up to a light source and look at the mold-pressed design on the exterior. Most patterns have distinct geometric, floral, or Art Deco motifs. Below are the most common green depression glass patterns with identification details:
| Pattern Name | Maker | Years Made | Identification | Common Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cameo (Ballerina) | Anchor Hocking | 1930–1934 | Dancing female figures in medallions separated by festoons and bows | Plates, cups, saucers, pitchers, tumblers, cookie jar |
| Princess | Anchor Hocking | 1931–1935 | Octagonal panels with a floral/scroll interior motif; octagon-shaped plates | Plates, cups, tumblers, cookie jar, candy dish |
| Block Optic (Block) | Anchor Hocking | 1929–1933 | Square blocks in concentric rings; exterior ribbed appearance | Plates, sherbet, cups, pitchers, tumblers, canister sets |
| Mayfair (Open Rose) | Anchor Hocking | 1931–1937 | Large open rose in center; scalloped rim with scroll border | Plates, cookie jar, pitcher, tumblers, butter dish |
| Florentine No. 1 (Poppy No. 1) | Hazel-Atlas | 1932–1935 | Hexagonal panels with poppy flower motif; scalloped rims | Plates, cups, saucers, pitchers, tumblers, sugar/creamer |
| Florentine No. 2 (Poppy No. 2) | Hazel-Atlas | 1932–1935 | Round shape with poppy motif (vs. hexagonal No. 1); larger flowers | Plates, cups, saucers, pitchers, tumblers, grill plates |
| Cherry Blossom | Jeannette Glass | 1930–1939 | Cherry tree branches with blossoms and cherries across entire piece | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, cereal bowls, cake plate |
| Adam | Jeannette Glass | 1932–1934 | Feather/plume design with Adam and Eve center motif on some pieces; square plates | Square plates, cups, pitchers, butter dish, ash tray |
| Cloverleaf | Hazel-Atlas | 1930–1936 | Four-leaf clover and scroll motif across surface | Plates, cups, saucers, sherbet, candy dish, salt & pepper |
| Colonial (Knife and Fork) | Anchor Hocking | 1934–1938 | Vertical ribs on lower section; plain wide border on upper section | Plates, cups, pitcher, tumblers, butter dish, grill plate |
| Hocking Green (Plain) | Anchor Hocking | Various | No pattern — smooth, plain green glass from Anchor Hocking | Mixing bowls, refrigerator dishes, tumblers |
| Patrician (Spoke) | Federal Glass | 1933–1937 | Wheel/spoke design with scalloped edge; floral center | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, cookie jar, butter dish |
| Spiral | Anchor Hocking | 1928–1933 | Continuous raised spiral ribbing throughout | Plates, cups, pitchers, tumblers, sherbet |
| Hex Optic (Honeycomb) | Jeannette Glass | 1928–1932 | Hexagonal honeycomb texture pressed into interior of pieces | Pitchers, tumblers, mixing bowls, refrigerator dishes |
| Miss America (Diamond Pattern) | Anchor Hocking | 1935–1938 | Diamond points radiating from center; ribbed border | Plates, cups, tumblers, butter dish, compote |
How to Tell Real Green Depression Glass from Reproductions
Cherry Blossom and Mayfair are the two most heavily reproduced patterns. Here’s how to identify originals:
- UV light test: Original green depression glass almost always fluoresces yellow-green under a black light due to uranium oxide content. Most modern reproductions do not glow.
- Mold seams and sharpness: Original pieces have crisp, well-defined pattern detail. Reproductions often show mushy or blurred pattern elements because they were cast from worn or copied molds.
- Weight and thickness: Original Depression glass is thin and relatively lightweight. Reproductions are often heavier and thicker.
- Color consistency: Original green depression glass has subtle color variation from piece to piece — this is normal and expected. Perfectly uniform color is a reproduction warning sign.
- Bubbles and imperfections: Original Depression glass frequently shows small bubbles, swirls, or other manufacturing imperfections. These are features, not flaws — and a sign of authenticity.
- Cherry Blossom specifics: On original Cherry Blossom, the cherry stems have a “Y” fork. Reproductions often have a straight stem. Original cup handles have a tab at the top; reproduction handles are round.
Green Depression Glass Value Guide
Values below reflect current completed eBay sales and dealer prices as of early 2026. Condition is critical — chips, cracks, or scratches reduce value by 50 to 90%. Values shown are for excellent to mint condition pieces with no damage.
Cameo (Ballerina) Green Values
- Dinner plate (10″): $15 to $30
- Luncheon plate (8″): $10 to $20
- Cup and saucer set: $15 to $25
- Pitcher (water, 56 oz): $50 to $80
- Tumbler (water): $15 to $25
- Cookie jar with lid: $60 to $100
- Candy dish with lid: $50 to $80
- Cream soup bowl: $20 to $35
- Vegetable bowl (9″): $25 to $40
- Relish (3-part): $60 to $100
Cherry Blossom Green Values
- Dinner plate (9″): $20 to $35
- Cup and saucer: $20 to $35
- Pitcher (36 oz, footed): $60 to $100
- Pitcher (42 oz, flat): $70 to $120
- Tumbler (flat, 4″): $20 to $35
- Tumbler (footed, 4.5″): $25 to $45
- Butter dish with lid: $80 to $150
- Cake plate (10.25″): $35 to $60
- Cereal bowl (5.75″): $25 to $45
- Child’s cup: $25 to $50 (reproduction risk — verify with UV test)
Princess Green Values
- Dinner plate (9.5″): $20 to $35
- Grill plate (9.5″): $12 to $20
- Cup and saucer: $15 to $25
- Pitcher (60 oz): $60 to $100
- Tumbler (water): $20 to $30
- Cookie jar: $60 to $100
- Candy dish with lid: $50 to $85
- Cake plate: $30 to $50
- Hat-shaped ashtray: $25 to $40
- Spice shakers (pair): $30 to $50
Block Optic Green Values
- Dinner plate (9″): $15 to $25
- Cup and saucer: $12 to $20
- Pitcher (80 oz): $50 to $80
- Tumbler (9 oz): $10 to $18
- Creamer and sugar set: $20 to $35
- Canister set (4 pieces): $100 to $180
- Butter dish with lid: $50 to $80
- Mixing bowl (large): $25 to $40
Most Valuable Green Depression Glass Pieces
- Cameo cookie jar: $60 to $120 in green — one of the most sought-after Cameo pieces
- Cherry Blossom butter dish: $80 to $150 — the butter dish is the most valuable piece in most patterns
- Mayfair cookie jar (green): $100 to $175 — the Mayfair green cookie jar is rarer than pink
- Princess cookie jar: $60 to $100
- Patrician butter dish: $90 to $150
- Cherry Blossom pitcher (any size): $60 to $120
- Adam butter dish (green): $100 to $175
- Florentine No. 2 pitcher: $50 to $80
Collecting Green Depression Glass: What to Look For
The most common pieces found at estate sales and thrift stores are plates, cups, and tumblers. The hardest pieces to find in any pattern are:
- Butter dishes with lids: The lids were often broken — a complete, undamaged butter dish is always more valuable than the base alone
- Cookie jars: Both lid and base must be present and unchipped
- Pitchers: Chips on the spout are common and greatly reduce value
- Complete place settings: 8 matching dinner plates, cups, and saucers in the same pattern command a premium over individual pieces
- Serving pieces: Cake plates, console bowls, and candlestick holders are made in smaller quantities and harder to find
Green Depression Glass vs. Jadeite
Jadeite is frequently confused with green depression glass, but they are distinct categories. Jadeite is an opaque, milky green glass (you cannot see light through it). Green depression glass is translucent — you can see light through it. Jadeite was made by Jeannette Glass and McKee Glass primarily in the 1940s and 1950s, after the Depression glass era, using a different manufacturing process. Anchor Hocking’s “Jadite” line (their spelling) was also made through the 1970s. Fire King Jadeite from Anchor Hocking is currently the most actively collected green glass category and commands significant premiums — a Fire King Jadeite restaurant mug can sell for $15 to $40, while a matching swirl pattern bowl brings $30 to $80.
Where to Buy and Sell Green Depression Glass
- Estate sales: The best source for underpriced pieces. Look in kitchens and china cabinets — green depression glass was often used daily and stored in original locations.
- eBay completed sales: Filter to “sold listings” for the most accurate current market values. Search by pattern name plus color (e.g., “Cameo green depression glass plate”).
- Antique malls: Dealers often specialize in Depression glass — prices are negotiable and pieces are usually well-identified.
- National Depression Glass Association (NDGA): The NDGA hosts regional shows and maintains dealer directories. Their annual price guide is the standard reference.
- Replacements, Ltd.: The largest online dealer in discontinued china and glass, including Depression glass. Prices are retail but pieces are authenticated and graded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Depression Glass
What is green depression glass worth?
Values vary by pattern and piece. Common pieces (plates, cups) sell for $10 to $35. Rare serving pieces (butter dishes, cookie jars, pitchers) range from $50 to $175. Complete place settings in Cherry Blossom or Cameo sell for $200 to $500. Butter dishes and cookie jars in pristine condition are consistently the highest-value pieces in any pattern.
How do I identify green depression glass?
Hold the piece up to light to see the embossed pattern clearly, then cross-reference against a pattern guide. Test with a UV black light — authentic pieces glow yellow-green due to uranium oxide content. The most common patterns are Cameo, Cherry Blossom, Princess, Block Optic, and Florentine, all made by Anchor Hocking, Jeannette, or Hazel-Atlas between 1929 and 1939.
Is green depression glass safe to use?
Yes, for display and occasional use. The trace uranium oxide is encased in the glass and poses negligible risk for normal handling and display. For daily food and drink use, most collectors prefer display-only. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission considers Depression glass safe for display purposes.
Does green depression glass glow under black light?
Yes — most authentic pieces glow brightly yellow-green under UV light. This is the fastest authentication test. Reproductions usually do not glow. Use a UV flashlight in a darkened room for the clearest result.
What is the difference between green depression glass and Jadeite?
Depression glass is translucent (light passes through it). Jadeite is opaque (milky, non-transparent). Depression glass dates from 1929 to 1939; Fire King Jadeite from the 1940s to 1970s. Both are popular collectibles but separate categories with different makers, eras, and pricing.