Guide To Rare And Old Book Values

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Book Condition and Grading Terms

Book conditions are described in the price guide using the following abbreviations/codes. When two condition codes are listed, the condition of the book is listed first, and the condition of the dust jacket is listed second.

Very Fine (VF) - Essentially a "New" book (or "As New") with no defects, a crisp, tight binding, and absolutely no flaws found under close examination. A book that is in perfect condition with no sign that it has been read. The dustjacket (if it was issued with one) must be perfect, without any tears.

Fine (F) - A book in "Fine" condition approaches the condition of “Very Fine”, but without being crisp. There must also be no defects, etc. Fine allows a small bump or two. If the book was read, it was done very carefully. The dustjacket may not be as shiny as new, but has no wrinkles, folds, chips or tears.

Near Fine (NF) - No defects, little usage, and markings are minimal. A minor flaw may be present. “Fine” with a little more wear and some very minor flaws.

Very Good (VG) - A book in "Very Good" condition shows light wear to the book, and/or jacket, but with no large tears, or major defects. It is attractive, but not unusually so and is no longer fresh.  Acceptable flaws might include: clipping, small tears or rips, rubbing, and a less than tight binding. There may be an Inscription on the front flyleaf. To qualify for “Very Good” however, the book must be completely intact, with a dustjacket (if one was issued).

Good (G) - A book, or dust jacket in average used, and worn condition, but complete. Books in “Good” condition (or worse) are generally avoided by serious collectors unless there are few or no other copies available. They may have large chips and tears, price clipping, inscriptions, a loose binding etc.

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Fair (FR) - A book that is worn and handled, but no text pages are missing. It may be without a dust jacket, endpapers, or a title page. The binding may be loose and the jacket (if any), will likely be well-worn. It may be soiled with tears, but maps and plates must still be present.

Poor (P) - Having very little collector value, a book in “Poor” condition is relegated to merely a “reading copy”. It is very well worn and may have severe binding defects. A few text pages and perhaps maps or plates may be missing. “Poor” copies may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc. Not fit for collecting unless extremely rare.