Signed Books

Previous ownership of rare books can sometimes make the book more valuable. Especially when the owner has specific relevance to the family or is of historical importance, books with proof of prior ownership can become treasured and valuable collectors' items. Proof usually comes in the form of a signature. However, it can also be a bookplate, an inscription, a seal, or other distinctive mark made on or inside the book itself.

Signed books, as they are known, must be authenticated by a professional in order to be appraised at a higher value. Sometimes a signature won't guarantee higher appraisal, though. Some 20th century signed editions are actually quite common, due to authors' nationwide book signing tours and press junkets. Still, those copies with autographs, even modern ones, are usually more highly valued than those without.

In order to determine the worth of an autograph, the reason for signing must be considered. The most valuable signatures are those that are personally inscribed and presented to the owner by the author. Next, those signatures requested from the author by the owner, and finally those signed as a part of a publicity event.

Age Makes a Difference When Determining Value
Older books, generally, are more rare and will fetch a high appraisal price. A good rule of thumb is that any volume made in America prior to 1801 (if west of the Mississippi, then 1850) is considered rare and an authentic signature would make it exponentially more valuable.