The short version
- Typical range: £8 – £120
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Books
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used vintage books is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for vintage bookss, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £120 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £102 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £78 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £54 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £30 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a vintage books
- Decorative bindings and illustrated plates
- Tight bindings with sound hinges
- Titles with an established collector interest
- Complete sets and matched volumes
What lowers it
- Foxing, damp staining and mould
- Cracked hinges and detached boards
- Missing plates and maps, often removed for framing
- Common titles printed in very large numbers
How to work out what yours is worth
- Open the covers and check the hinges for cracking
- Count the illustrated plates against the list of illustrations
- Smell the pages — musty odour indicates damp storage
Once you have those three answers you can place your own vintage books on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are old books automatically valuable?
No. Age alone adds little. Condition, binding, illustrations and whether the title has an audience matter far more.
What is foxing?
Brown speckling on pages caused by damp and age. It is very common in older books and reduces value, though light foxing is accepted.
Why are plates sometimes missing?
They are often removed and framed. Always check the list of illustrations against what is actually present, since buyers will.
More value guides: books guides · all value guides · browse live books listings.