Only 500 copies of the original 1997 hardcover edition were released, according to AbeBooks. Publishers sent 300 of these to libraries. Prices typically range from $40,000 to $55,000, although we recently reported that one of these first editions sold at an auction house for a whopping $84,000.
How do you know if a Harry Potter book is a first edition?
Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets first editions usually have the Smarties sticker/logo on the front, so that should be fine. Copyright date must be 1998, Bloomsbury publishers and serial number count to 1, and only hardcover copies of this book are collectible.
How do I know if my Harry Potter book is valuable?
You can tell if your Harry Potter book is a first edition and first printing by looking at the printer key on the copyright page. The lowest number indicates which printing it is, so in this example the printer key tells us that the book is a first printing.
How much are Harry Potter books worth?
Characterized by their unique illustrations, they must be signed by the illustrator to be worth thousands. As for a regular copy of Goblet of Fire, you’re going to want Rowling’s signature for it to be worth anything (even if it’s a first edition). With that, the books can be worth over $10,000.
How can you tell if a book is a first edition?
Identifying the First Edition of a Book The publisher may actually put the words first edition or first printing on the copyright page. Another common method of identification is the number line – this is a series of numbers on the copyright page. If there is one in the line, it is usually a first edition.
How many Harry Potter first edition books are there?
The first hardcover editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone have become the Holy Grail for Potter collectors. Only 500 were published, of which 300 were distributed to libraries.
Which Harry Potter book has the misprint?
First editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone can be worth thousands of dollars thanks to a typo found in 500 hardcovers by J.K. Rowling’s first World Series of Wizarding novel. 12
Are first edition books worth anything?
First editions are coveted by book collectors and a first edition is usually more valuable than a later printing. A first edition signed by the author is even more valuable. Rarity affects value.
Is the first impression the same as the first edition?
A first edition is the first printing of a book. It is true that a first edition may have one or more printings and that a second edition is usually mentioned only where there are actual, usually major, changes in the text. But for a collector, a first printing is the only true first edition.