The dapper image of Mr. Peanut has been one of our country's best known advertising figures since 1916, when it became a trademark of the Planters Nut and Chocolate Company of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The company sponsored a contest to design a logo and the winner was a 14-year old Virginia boy with a drawing of a peanut with arms and legs labeled "Mr. Peanut." The top hat, monocle and cane were added later by a commercial artist.

Planters Peanut collectors look for banks, books, jars, displays, posters, pails, paperweights, dolls, salt & pepper sets, nutcrackers, and other items with the image of Mr. Peanut. This costume complete with cane and gloves sold recently at a Stephenson's auction in Southampton, Pennsylvania, for $885. The body and hat are made of fiberglass.

Find prices of other Planters Peanuts items here, and in Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 2010.

Ran on May 4, 2010