Free tool

Is my old book valuable? A 10-question checklist

Wondering whether that old book on your shelf is worth something? Answer these ten questions to see how promising it looks and what to do next. The checklist runs in your browser: nothing is sent anywhere, and we never invent a price.

When was your book printed?

Look at the title page and the copyright page.

Before 1900 1900 to 1970 After 1970 Not sure

Does it look like a first printing?

A “First Edition” line, or a number line that still includes 1.

Yes No, a later printing Not sure

Is it a famous or much-wanted title or author?

Classics, big bestsellers, important science or history, popular children's books.

Yes No Not sure

Is it signed or inscribed by the author?

Yes No Not sure

Does it still have its original dust jacket?

Only matters for books from about 1900 onward.

Yes No No jacket was made / older book

What condition is it in?

See our condition grading guide if unsure.

Fine or Very Good Good: worn but complete Fair or Poor

Are all pages, maps, plates and volumes there?

Yes No, something is missing Not sure

Any book club signs?

No price on the jacket flap, a small blind stamp on the back cover, or “Book Club Edition”.

No signs Yes

Is it an ex-library copy?

Library stamps, card pockets, spine labels.

No Yes

Any water damage, mould or heavy writing?

No Yes

See my result Start again

How the checklist works

It weighs the things booksellers look at first: whether the book is a first printing of a title people want, a signature, the original dust jacket, condition and completeness. It also counts the usual value-cutters, such as book club editions, ex-library copies and damage. These are the same points our guides explain in detail.

Frequently asked questions

Does this checklist tell me a price?

No. Prices depend on the exact edition, condition and the market, so we never guess one. The checklist tells you how promising your book looks and what to do next.

Is my information sent anywhere?

No. The checklist runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you choose is sent to us or stored.

What should I do if my book looks valuable?

Check the edition carefully, grade the condition honestly, compare sold prices for the same edition, and then ask a specialist rare book dealer or auction house.

Read the full guides

• How much is my old book worth?What is my old book worth?
• How to tell if a book is a first editionIs it a first edition?
• Book condition grading, explainedBook condition grading
• Where to sell old and rare booksWhere to sell old books
• How to care for old booksCaring for old books
• The most valuable books in the worldMost valuable books

Sources

• Wikipedia: List of used book conditions (AB Bookman's Weekly terms, 1949)
• IOBA: Identifying book club editions
• Wikipedia: Printer's key (number line)
• ABAA: Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (member directory)

Checked for this page before publishing. Found a mistake? Tell us.

Published 2026-10-27. Last checked 2026-10-27.