How is an old book's value determined?

Answer 1

Book value is determined by title, author, condition, edition, special features, & demand (resale value).

First, who wrote the book and what is the title? Was this title a major contribution to literature, history, the arts, etc? Was this the unknown first work of a famous author? Is the author award-winning, etc?

Second, condition: If a book is falling apart, missing a dust jacket, has torn pages, underlining, etc, then the value of the book is decreased significantly. Obviously, the better the condition, the more value a book will have.

Next, is the book an original edition (i.e. first)? First editions and early printings are more valuable than later printings and reprints. This can be determined by finding "first edition" or finding a 1 in the number line on the copyright page. Research can also be done on the internet to determine what the first edition of a book is. Sometimes, the first edition may not necessarily be in book form, as is the case with some Charles Dickens titles (which appeared in serialized magazines in their original form). Antiquarian book dealers should be able to give you a professional determination on this. I recommend finding an ABAA, ABA, or ILAB member.

Special features also can give books additional value. Is the book signed by the author or illustrator? Does it contain original lithographs or prints? Was it a limited number edition or one of only a few copies printed? Did the printer issue a special binding for this title? Proofs or advanced reading copies of books can also be collectible.

Supply and demand also is large factor in determining value. A book may be one of only a few copies printed, but if no one is interested in buying then it's value is sentimental rather than financial. A quick look at sites such as Amazon, Alibris, Abebooks, etc can quickly reveal if the market is saturated with a title already. The more copies available, the less value your title has.

An quick and easy way to find out book value is to type in it's information onto the advanced search of one of the above mentioned book sites. Read the book descriptions and find some that match yours closely. Find the median price and that is probably what your book will resale for on average (assuming that you have properly determined if the book is a first, etc). Note, when you sell to a used book dealer or book store, you will not be offered that price. Rather you will probably be offered anywhere from a quarter to half of what a book will resell for in their store.