How Much Is My Old Book Worth?
Ever wonder how much your old books are worth? The Humanities Department has resources to help you find out. Here are some ideas for how to look up your items.
Websites
Used and rare bookseller websites that bring together sellers’ prices:
Addall - Click on the Used Books tab at the top and fill out the form; use Keyword for publisher and date
The Advanced Book Exchange - Fill out the form on the top page.
Bookfinder - Fill out the advanced option form
Remember - Prices you find on bookseller websites include the dealer’s markup. They will charge the buyer more than they will offer the seller!
Other helpful websites:
Your Old Books - lists questions and answers about book collecting.
Information on Old Books - describes how to determine the value of old books by the Smithsonian Libraries.
Rare Books organizations:
Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America - Lists booksellers and appraisers near you.
Evaluating your old book:
You have your book in hand. First take note of this important information
- What is the condition of the book?
- What is a first edition, and is the one?
- A first edition is the first time a book is printed by a publisher.
- Not all first editions say the words "First Edition" on the title page.
- Your book is probably not a first edition if:
- there is more than one publication date
- the word "printing" appears with the publishing information, for example "2nd Printing"
- a series of numbers such as "2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9." The lowest number shows which printing it is.
- Who is the author of the book?
- What is the full title?
- When was it published?
- The date might be on the back of the title page.
- Is there more than one date?
- Does the date say "copyright," "reprint," or "edition?"
- Who is the publisher?
- More than one publisher can publish the same book.
- There can be and American and English editions by different publishers.
- When a book is no longer under copyright, anyone can publish it.
- The exact name of the publisher is important, if there is no date on the book.
Remember: To determine the true market value of a book, or any other collectible item, an appraisal may be necessary.
Ask Us
If you have an old book that you would like us to research, or if you have any other questions regarding old books, e-mail us through our Ask-A-Librarian service, or contact your local library. You can also mail your questions to:
Humanities Department
Enoch Pratt Free Library
State Library Resource Center
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201