Q&A for How to Find the Value of Old Books

Yes, any book before 1900 is a collectors dream. Find one, and you can get well over what it's worth.

Try googling it on sales sites, such as eBay or Amazon. If you can, try consulting a bookseller or a specialist.

Quite possibly, yes, depending on how rare the book is and whether you can find the right collector. Dust jackets often deteriorate anyway and are not the most important part of the book.

Take them to a history shop or book appraiser to find out their worth.

If it's only a small cut, then probably not, unless there was something notable about the price or the dust cover itself. (Most early dust covers did not survive, and some of them are worth more than their books.) Depending on other wear, tear, and marks on the book, it may tip it from "as new" to "excellent," or "excellent" to "very good."

It's hard to say. Go to get it authenticated and go to book stores to see if there's any interest.

You can usually take it to an appraiser or do some more looking around on the internet.

You can check eBay, or just google the title of the book and the year of publication and see what pops up.

You can donate your 1914 dictionary to a library, archive, or historical society. Consider selling it online or to collectors, even in its current condition. You might offer it to friends or book enthusiasts. If no one is interested, you could repurpose it into art or crafts. Recycle it only as a last option.

They could hold significant value, especially if they are in good condition with intact illustrations. These books are sought after by art and antique collectors due to their historical and artistic importance. To determine their value, search for similar editions on AbeBooks, Biblio, or eBay. Consult a rare book dealer or appraiser for an accurate valuation. Check with auction houses like Sotheby’s or Heritage Auctions. Condition and demand will determine their value.

Your 1991 Illinois Revised Statutes may have limited value but could interest collectors, law libraries, educators, or legal professionals. Try selling them on eBay or similar sites. If there is no interest, consider donating to a library or recycling them.

The value depends on its condition, rarity, and demand. Check similar listings on eBay or AbeBooks for pricing. For a more accurate value, consult a rare book dealer or consider selling it through an auction house.

Your 1921 "Victrola Book of the Opera" is typically valued between $20 and $50, depending on its condition and edition. Check similar listings on eBay or AbeBooks. For an accurate estimate, consult a rare book dealer or list it online with clear photos and details.

Your 99-year-old Edna Ferber book, signed and in good condition, could be valuable. Signed first editions, especially of popular works like "Show Boat," can sell for $275 to $1,200, depending on condition, rarity, and demand. A verified autograph adds value. Consult a rare book dealer for an appraisal or check similar listings on eBay or AbeBooks. Auctioning it might also attract collectors and higher offers.

That's a reprint, since the original was published in 1950. It probably holds more sentimental than monetary value. You can check eBay or AbeBooks for similar listings, or consult a bookseller for a valuation. Reprints usually aren't as valuable as earlier prints.

A 1913 fourth edition of Robert Burns' poems may hold moderate value, depending on its condition, publisher, and any unique features like illustrations or special bindings. Such editions are typically valued between $20 and $100, with higher prices for well-preserved copies or rare bindings. To determine the exact value, check similar listings on AbeBooks or eBay or consult a rare book dealer.

Your collection may be valuable depending on the edition, condition, and completeness. First editions or early prints in excellent condition are worth more. Similar sets are on sites like AbeBooks, with prices varying widely. Deluxe editions can sell for $400 or more. Consult a rare book dealer or check eBay for accurate pricing. Auctioning may attract collectors if it is in good condition.

Your 1908 edition of "Ben-Hur" by Lew Wallace, published by Harper & Brothers, is a later printing with modest value, usually selling for $5 to $25 depending on condition. Check eBay or AbeBooks for similar listings, or consult a rare book dealer for a more accurate appraisal. Its historical value may exceed its monetary worth.

To find the value of your 1957 copy of *What Jesus Said*, search AbeBooks, eBay, or Biblio for similar editions. Unique details like first editions or special bindings can add value. A rare book dealer or local antique bookstore can also help. The condition and demand will affect its worth.

The best auction sites for vintage book auctions are Heritage Auctions, Sotheby’s, and Bonhams for high-value and rare books. For more accessible options, eBay offers a wide range of vintage books. LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable also host frequent book auctions from various sellers.

The value of a 100-year-old family heirloom Bible depends on its age, rarity, condition, and historical significance. Most Bibles from the 19th and early 20th centuries are common and worth $20 to $100 unless they have unique bindings, illustrations, or provenance, which can increase value. Consult an appraiser for an accurate assessment or research similar listings on online marketplaces. Sentimental value often outweighs monetary worth for family heirlooms.

Your reprinted first edition Charles Dickens books from 1928 to 1930 hold some value due to their age and collectible nature. While not original first editions, their worth depends on condition, completeness, and demand. Typically, such sets range from $100 to $300, with higher values for pristine sets or notable illustrators. To determine precise value, check listings on AbeBooks or Biblio, or consult a rare book dealer.

You can search online marketplaces like AbeBooks, Biblio, or eBay for similar editions, check for unique features like first edition reprints or special bindings, and consult a rare book dealer or appraiser for a professional evaluation. Condition, rarity, and demand will influence the value.

You can sell old books on platforms like AbeBooks, Biblio, or Alibris for collectors. Use eBay for a wider audience or contact rare book dealers for offers. Auction houses like Sotheby’s or Heritage Auctions are good for valuable books. Local antique stores or flea markets may also have interested buyers. Provide clear descriptions and photos when selling.

To appraise and sell your old books while recouping some costs, contact a rare book dealer or an antiquarian bookstore, as they often appraise and sell books on consignment, keeping a percentage of the sale. Check online auction houses like Heritage Auctions or local auctioneers for appraisals and sales. Visit local antique shops or flea markets where dealers might offer to appraise and buy. You can also post inquiries in rare book collector forums or groups online for advice or offers. Providing details and photos can make the process easier.

Research it online and/or show it to a book collector or a used book store.

You can take it to a book store or library to get it appraised. They will be able to tell you the value of the book that you have.

Supply and demand, more or less. If more people want or are interested in that book for whatever reason, yet not many copies are available, the price can be high to buy one. On the other hand, if there are a lot of copies, the price may be lower. Old books with unique qualities, such as first editions, author signatures, aged but in good condition, etc., will sell for more. If people become less interested in the book, the price will drop as the number of people fighting over the copies will drop.

It depends. For example, if a publisher published 100 copies of a book in the 1930s, and was the first to do so, then it matters. The book is rare and old, and therefore possibly valuable. If the publisher printed 2,000 books two years ago, it is worth nothing if based on these facts.

Possibly but more likely, no. The book having an error probably means it is one of the first few printings. As mentioned in the article, that can up the book's value. On the flipside, it could be intentional and therefore giving no added worth to the book. Also, errata additions by way of a piece of paper with corrections on it have been added to books for centuries, and it does not necessarily change the value of the book.