How to Find the Value of Old Books: That old book in your attic might not seem valuable to you, but it could be worth a lot to a potential buyer. For example, a rare first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species was auctioned for $150,000 in 2011. Even if you don’t have a rare treasure, once you’ve identified your book’s edition and publication details, you can begin to assess its market value.
To learn how to find the value of old books, start by carefully examining the book and researching its details online. Numerous websites and databases offer information on book values. If you’re uncertain, consider consulting an appraiser for expert guidance. Remember, the value of your book ultimately depends on the market and what a buyer is willing to pay, so be sure to explore all avenues when figuring out how to find the value of old books. With a bit of research, you’ll have a good sense of what your book might be worth and how to find the value of old books.
Method1 Identifying Your Book
Step 1: Refer to the Book’s Title Page and Copyright Page for Key Information
To begin, refer to the title page and copyright page of the book to gather essential details. Start by noting the full title of the book and the author’s name. Then, look for the publisher’s name, city, date of publication, and copyright registration date. Be sure to turn past any blank pages or the half-title page, as they typically only display the book’s name. The title page will have more complete information, and you can find the copyright details on the reverse or next page. Avoid using the dust jacket or binding to extract this information, as these elements may not be original and could give incomplete details.
Step 2: Determine the Edition Details of Your Copy
Next, identify the edition details of your book, as these can significantly impact its value. Many book collectors seek first editions and rare editions. The title page and copyright page often display whether the book is a first edition, a revised edition, or a limited edition. Look for words like “First Edition” or “First Printing,” but note that not all first editions will state this explicitly. If you see multiple publication dates, your copy may be a reprint. Reprints may also include terms like “Second Printing” or “Edition” with an ordinal number. Additionally, if a reprint is issued by a different publisher than the original, it will typically be labeled as “First (publisher name) Edition.”
Step 3: Match Your Book’s Details with a Record in an Online Catalog
Once you have gathered all the essential information, compare your book’s details with records in an online catalog. Use databases such as WorldCat, the National Union Catalog (NUC), or other print and digital bibliographies about the book’s author or topic. Search by author, title, and imprint details to find a record that matches your book exactly. These catalogs offer entries for each edition, allowing you to see where your copy fits within the publication history and helping you understand how old your copy is.
Step 4: Use This Catalog Information to Determine How Rare Your Copy Is
Finally, use the catalog information to assess the rarity of your book. While determining the exact number of private owners is challenging, you can discover how many copies are held by public, corporate, and academic libraries. Searching in online catalogs like WorldCat or NUC will reveal the availability of your edition in libraries. As with other collectible items, the fewer copies there are, the more valuable each remaining copy tends to be. If you need assistance, a librarian can help you search your book in an online catalog.
Method2 Assessing the Quality of Your Copy
Step 1: Confirm the Completeness and Condition of the Book’s Pages and Plates
To assess the condition and value of your book, start by confirming the completeness of its pages and illustrations (also known as plates). Reference the catalog record that matches your book to verify how many pages and plates it should contain. Gently inspect your book to ensure that all pages and plates are present. Look for any signs of damage, such as stains, discoloration, creases, or tears. Pay attention to the condition of any edge treatments, like gilding, and use proper antiquarian terminology to describe any issues. For example, brown splotches on old books are often referred to as “foxing.” Both the completeness and condition of the book directly affect its value.
Step 2: Note Any Damage to the Book’s Binding
Next, check the binding for any damage. Examine how securely the front and back covers are attached to the spine, and inspect the binding stitches and glue for any signs of wear or looseness. If the book is missing its original binding, it is considered incomplete. For books that are not particularly rare, a copy in poor condition will typically be worth less than a better-condition counterpart.
Step 3: Examine the Physical Condition of the Cover and Dust Jacket, If Applicable
If your book includes a cover and a dust jacket, assess their physical condition. Check for any fading, tears, or warping on the outer cover and spine. For 20th-century books, ensure the original dust jacket is still intact. If so, check its condition for any tears, creases, or discoloration. The absence of the dust jacket in a book that originally came with one can significantly reduce its market value.
Step 4: Summarize the Book’s Overall Physical Condition Using Antiquarian Grading Terms
Summarize your book’s overall physical condition using standard antiquarian grading terms. These include “fine” or “like new,” meaning the book is nearly perfect with no visible defects, as well as terms like “very good,” “good,” “fair,” and “poor,” which indicate increasing levels of damage. Be sure to note any physical imperfections in relation to the grade you assign. Additionally, if the book shows signs of being from a library, such as markings or stamps, you should refer to it as an “ex-library copy.” If the book’s pages are in decent condition but the binding is damaged, you may call it a “binding copy.” Even books with significant damage can still be valuable, especially if they are rare or old.
Step 5: Gather Evidence of Your Book’s Provenance to Increase Its Value
Lastly, gather any evidence of the book’s provenance, which refers to the history of its previous owners. A book’s value can increase if it belonged to a notable person. Look for bookplates, handwritten signatures, or autographs mentioning the owner’s name. If your book has an interesting or significant history, gather any available documentation to support this, such as family records or testimony from individuals who knew the previous owner. Provenance can greatly influence a book’s value, especially in the rare book market.
Method3 Determining Your Book’s Market Value
Step 1: Get a Formal Appraisal from a Qualified Expert
If you want tax incentives or insurance coverage for your book, a formal appraisal is necessary. You can seek an appraisal from a certified book appraiser or a dealer specializing in rare and second-hand books. Organizations such as the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA), the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) can help you find a qualified professional in your area.
- Expect to pay a fee for the appraisal, as it covers both the expert’s time and any necessary insurance services.
- If no local appraisers are available, you can send detailed photographs of the book, including the title page, first and last text pages, spine, covers, and any unique markings.
- Librarians typically do not offer appraisal services.
- If your book contains a signature, a professional appraiser can authenticate it. A verified signature—especially from a notable figure—can significantly increase the book’s value.
Step 2: Check a Recently Published Reference Guide for Estimated Value
Many printed reference guides provide estimates for collectible books. To determine your book’s potential worth, check for a reference related to its subject or author at a library or in the collectibles section of a bookstore. Books are typically listed alphabetically by author or title, or chronologically by publication date. Use the table of contents and index to locate the relevant listing.
- Always refer to the most recent edition of a reference guide, as book values fluctuate over time.
- Consider using Allen and Patricia Ahern’s “Collected Books: The Guide to Values” for information on first editions.
- For auction prices, check “American Book-Prices Current” and “Book-Auction Records”, which document past sales of rare books.
- The semiannual “Bookman’s Price Index” compiles book dealers’ catalog data to provide estimated values.
Step 3: Search Online Book Resellers for Market Comparisons
Online book marketplaces offer a convenient way to see what similar copies are selling for. Visit websites such as AbeBooks, BookFinder, and AddALL, as well as auction platforms like eBay, to compare prices for books like yours.
- If you find few or no listings for your exact copy, this could indicate either low demand or extreme rarity. If unsure, consult an antiquarian bookseller.
- If you’re interested in selling, you can set up an account and list your book on one of these platforms.
Step 4: Understand That a Book’s Value Depends on Buyer Demand
The true value of an old book is ultimately determined by what a buyer is willing to pay. While reference guides, catalogs, and appraisals can offer educated estimates, the actual selling price may vary based on market trends and buyer interest.
- Demand can fluctuate due to shifts in collector trends and popular interests.
- A famous book or a work by a well-known author may be more valuable due to popularity, but oversupply could reduce its market price.
- Consider all factors before setting a price, and be prepared for some negotiation.
Step 5: Keep the Book If You’re Not Ready to Sell
If you feel your book is worth more than what buyers are currently offering, it may be best to hold onto it. Market conditions change, and your book’s value could increase over time.
- Sentimental or personal value may outweigh monetary worth. If a book holds special meaning, keeping it may be the right choice.
- If you don’t wish to sell but want the book to be preserved, consider donating it to a library or archive. Contact the institution’s acquisitions department to discuss donation options.
