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When trying to tell the differences between old and new Fiesta, many collectors will become familiar with the various colors and shapes. Markings alone are not a good way to differentiate the two lines. There are some marks that were used in the old line only, while some are found in the new line only, and some are in BOTH.
Because there are so many different markings, there isn't a simple statement that can summarize them all. However, there are a few general rules that can be helpful. Below are some of the cases where telling the age of Fiesta can be automatic based on its marking.
Backstamps
- If the letters in the word “Fiesta” are all LOWER CASE, then it's OLD (1936 - 1973)
- If the letters in the word “Fiesta” are all UPPER CASE, then it's NEW (1986 - present)
There are no exceptions to this rule.
There are at least six types of new backstamps, but only one type of old backstamp.
NOTE:
The rule on upper/lower case letters DOES NOT HOLD for cast (in-mold) marks.
| OLD FIESTA MARKING: “Fiesta” in lower case 
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There have been six distinct Fiesta® backstamps used since the reintroduction in 1986. They are described and shown below. For an explanation of the date codes, go to the bottom of this page.
- Fiesta® underglaze backstamp. The vintage stamp was in all lower case; however, backstamps from 1986 to the present have Fiesta® in all upper case.
- Around 1992, "Lead Free" was added to the backstamp and placed at the top. Also, TM was used after the Fiesta® name to note it was a registered trademark. The TM was replaced in the next mark with an R in a circle.
- In 1993, "Lead Free Glaze" was put at the bottom of the stamp, and the mark was given a circular configuration.
- Later in 1993, the word "Glaze" was removed. This mark was used until the firm was reorganized into the Fiesta® Tableware Company.
- The Fiesta® USA, Lead Free marking was first used in 2020
- The most current marking has Lead Safe.
"H" Markings
- If a cast/mold mark has a little “H” added, then it is NEW
The “H” mark was first used around 1998 when pearl gray was introduced. Since pearl gray was so similar to vintage gray, the "H" was added to several cast pieces so collectors could tell the difference.
You will find it on items that use the older molds and have the same markings in both the vintage and contemporary lines, such as:
- juice pitchers
- disc pitchers
- pyramid candlesticks
- round candlesticks
- sauceboats
- individual sugars
- sugars from the tray set
- creamers from the tray set
- bud vases
- medium vases
- small vases
- covered teapots
The "H" was not used on the above pieces from 1986 to 1998. Thus, the absence of the “H” mark doesn't necessarily mean the piece is old.
 No “H” mark: could be OLD or NEW |
 With “H” mark: definitely NEW |
Circular Marks
- If a mold mark is circular, then it is NEW
Circular marks were first used around 1996 so that a backstamp (which would have a date code) could be added if necessary. There have been several circular marks, some with a lower case F, others with an upper case. Most are debossed (incised), while others are embossed (raised).
Below are just a few examples of circular marks.
No HLC Marks
- If a piece of Fiesta® is marked but doesn't have the HLC initials or HLC logo, then it is a contemporary piece made from 2020 to the present day.
In 2020, the factory sold its food service division along with the Homer Laughlin name and related logos. The firm was reorganized into the Fiesta® Tableware Company.
Any piece created after March 2020 with a mold marking was given a new Fiesta® USA logo without the HLC initials or logo. Existing pieces were either given the new mark or the HLC was removed from an older mark. In some cases (mainly circular marks), the HLC was taken out and the USA was centered. The "H" marking has also been removed from some pieces, namely the medium vase.
 New teapot marking
Fiesta® USA mark |
 Pint mug marking
Fiesta® USA mark |
 Sauceboat marking
HLC logo removed |
 Medium vase marking
HLC and "H" removed |
 Bread tray marking
HLC removed, USA centered |
 Circular mark
HLC removed, USA centered |
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