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Rare Books

Rare books are a notable investment, particularly for those who appreciate the significance of written language. Books are made rare when there is a high demand from buyers but few known copies in existence. The demand for a book is created by a combination of factors, often including status as a first edition, signed book, or written by a famous historical figure, illustrated by a famous person, or pre-owned and marked by a famous figure. Ultimately, the book is a often a historical record or a work that changed history.

Leonardo Da Vinci’s "Codex Leicester" is one of the most rare books in the world. Da Vinci’s journal focusing on water is one of his more organized manuscripts, although the notes are still the chaotic reflection of brainstorming by a genius. The journal is occasionally on display at various museums. The 1640 Bay Psalm Book was the first book written in British America and the first book printed in English in the New World. It is one of only 11 surviving copies.

Collectors can often find interesting examples of rare books at auction. Another way to develop a collection of rare books is to simply keep the books you love, or seek out modern landmark books that shake up the world and wait for their values to increase.


Quick Facts

  • A first edition first issue copy of "The Sun Also Rises" with the original dust jacket sold for $161,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2014
  • "Cosmographia" by Ptolemaeus was the first atlas printed in Germany and the first atlas with woodcut maps. It sold for $609,000 at an auction by Sotheby’s in 2014
  • "The Incredible Hulk #180" by Herb Trimpe and Jack Abel featuring the first appearance of the Wolverine character sold for $657,250 at Heritage Auctions in 2014

Recommended Items at Auction

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Rare early American mystery novel
Feb 20, 11:00 AM PST
Rare early American mystery novel
by PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers
Est: $500- $800
$3253 Bids
Conjuring.- Hocus Pocus, or The Art of Conjuration..., rare, for W. Lane, 1795.
Feb 27, 12:00 PM GMT
Conjuring.- Hocus Pocus, or The Art of Conjuration..., rare, for W. Lane, 1795.
by Forum Auctions - UK
Est: £1,500- £2,000
£8001 Bid
Early Joan Didion appearance 1956
Feb 20, 11:00 AM PST
Early Joan Didion appearance 1956
by PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers
Est: $300- $500
$1501 Bid
1739 OMELIE DETTE DA ALESSANDRO BORGIA antique RARE SERMONS
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
1739 OMELIE DETTE DA ALESSANDRO BORGIA antique RARE SERMONS
by ZevAntiques
Est: $500- $800
$2000 Bids
1610 ROMAN MISSAL antique ILLUSTRATED FOLIO PIGSKIN BINDING rare 17th CENTURY
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
1610 ROMAN MISSAL antique ILLUSTRATED FOLIO PIGSKIN BINDING rare 17th CENTURY
by ZevAntiques
Est: $1,280- $1,580
$9500 Bids
1858 INDIAN GOOD BOOK ABNAKI LANGUAGE antique AMERICANA rare
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
1858 INDIAN GOOD BOOK ABNAKI LANGUAGE antique AMERICANA rare
by ZevAntiques
Est: $550- $850
$2500 Bids
Katona Mihály: A’ Főld’ mathematica leírása. A’ világ’ alkotmányával együtt.
Feb 20, 5:00 PM CET
Katona Mihály: A’ Főld’ mathematica leírása. A’ világ’ alkotmányával együtt.
by Központi Antikvárium
Est: Ft0- Ft0
Ft40,0000 Bids
1581 IL PETRARCHA COMMENTARY by G. Gesualdo ILLUSTRATED antique in ITALIAN rare
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
1581 IL PETRARCHA COMMENTARY by G. Gesualdo ILLUSTRATED antique in ITALIAN rare
by ZevAntiques
Est: $900- $1,200
$6000 Bids
1597 ANALYSIS LOGICA by JOHANNES PISCATOR antique RARE pigskin binding 16th cen
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
1597 ANALYSIS LOGICA by JOHANNES PISCATOR antique RARE pigskin binding 16th cen
by ZevAntiques
Est: $750- $1,050
$4500 Bids
1598 IL THEATRO DE VARI by VICENZO GARZONI antique 16th CENTURY
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
1598 IL THEATRO DE VARI by VICENZO GARZONI antique 16th CENTURY
by ZevAntiques
Est: $700- $1,000
$4000 Bids
Greenwood - Rare 7 Flowers Press 1966
Feb 20, 11:00 AM PST
Greenwood - Rare 7 Flowers Press 1966
by PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
1788 CATALOG of ENGLISH LAW BOOKS antique RARE
Feb 15, 12:00 PM EST
1788 CATALOG of ENGLISH LAW BOOKS antique RARE
by ZevAntiques
Est: $500- $800
$2000 Bids
Moondog Yearbook 1 - rare
Feb 20, 11:00 AM PST
Moondog Yearbook 1 - rare
by PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
Signed by Maurice Sendak, rare Japanese edition
Feb 20, 11:00 AM PST
Signed by Maurice Sendak, rare Japanese edition
by PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$5000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Rare Books


Artmaximum

Artmaximum

Purcell Auctioneers

Purcell Auctioneers

Központi Antikvárium

Központi Antikvárium