Can you tell me how much my book (print, manuscript, object, etc.) is worth?
The Library of Congress does not authenticate or appraise books, manuscripts, works of art, or objects. These services are generally provided by businesses such as auction houses, professional appraisers, and antiquarian booksellers.
Many professional associations of booksellers and appraisers maintain online membership directories through which you can find a specialist to authenticate or appraise your item. You can find a professional appraiser for almost any item, whether it’s an antique vase or an autograph. The key is finding an appraiser who is accredited. Auction houses and museums occasionally provide free, oral valuations to the public. Search the websites of local organizations for “valuation day” or “appraisal day.”
For books, you may wish to contact The Antiquarian Booksellers of America (ABAA) organization available at www.abaa.org or consult the American Library Association (ALA) or the “Your Old Books” page by the Rare Book and Manuscripts Section of ALA.
For books and objects, you might also check with your local library to find general guides to collecting books and other items, as well as price guides and compilations of auction records that may help you estimate the value of your item (Standard price guides for books include American Book Prices Current and Bookman's Price Index).
Format specialists in some Library of Congress divisions may be able to provide additional suggestions for locating appraisers of prints and photographs, newspapers and periodicals, and artwork. In addition, this link about Researching Your Art, from the Smithsonian Institution, also available at https://americanart.si.edu/research/my-art, may be useful for determining the value of antiques, artwork, and other collectibles. In addition, the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery has a site called Researching Your Art, to determine the value of antiques, artwork, and other collectibles.
Professional appraisal organizations may also be helpful. Here are some suggested accredited appraisal organizations that offer written valuations:
The American Society of Appraisers,
Appraisers Association of America
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