Do Old and Antique Newspapers Have Any Collectible Value?

October 25, 2013 by  
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It is not often I travel to Yahoo for answers to some of the more meaningful questions of life: Where did we come from? What is the purpose of Life? Do old newspapers have value? However, I recently came upon a post on Yahoo Voices which did a decent job of handling this last question.  It begins:

You’ve Happened Upon a Stack of Old Newspapers…Some Have Historic Headlines! Are They Worth Anything?

Let face it, old newspapers don’t get much respect. In today’s world, they’re generally seen as material for the recycler. And years ago, many libraries simply tossed them out after converting them to micro or digital files. But do old or antique newspapers have any collectible value? The answer is a definite…maybe!

Newspapers have been around almost as long as the Gutenberg Press. And in general they’ve been seen as expendable–meant to be read a time or two and then thrown away, or used for fish wrap or some other convenient purpose. But newspapers also have tremendous historic value… (read more)

 (Unfortunately, the Yahoo article has since expired. If anyone has discovered great articles regarding the value of newspapers, please let us know and we’ll consider adding it. In the meantime, feel free to use the www.RareNewspapers.com website for comparables.)

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Filed under: Common Questions, Valuation of Issues
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Comments

808 Responses to “Do Old and Antique Newspapers Have Any Collectible Value?”

  1. dinho on September 4th, 2015 3:10 pm

    Got a magazine from Boston Sunday Herald old paper, fair condition, from October 20 -1946. Any value?

    Where can I upload images?

  2. yvette on October 1st, 2015 4:34 pm

    i got a jf kennedy from nov.22 1963 is it worth anything

  3. Jessica Lynn Hill on October 24th, 2015 8:02 pm

    I have a 1968 The Cleveland Press on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And a 1968 magazine with kings wife on there along with a J.E.T book with kings wife and kids on the front cover of it along with 6 other papers from 1968 wanting to know value for all

  4. GuyHeilenman on October 26th, 2015 6:37 am

    Thanks for your note. Tim will be in-touch with you shortly via e-mail.

  5. GuyHeilenman on October 26th, 2015 6:58 am

    If it is from Dallas and in great condition, perhaps as much as $200+ to someone who is seeking JFK assassination issues. Otherwise, they typically go for about $15 on eBay – unless extremely dramatic or unusual.

  6. GuyHeilenman on October 26th, 2015 7:04 am

    Without reading through it we cannot say for sure, but, we are not aware of content within the issue that would cause it to have value to historic newspaper collectors.

  7. jessie wamer on October 28th, 2015 12:37 pm

    I have newspapers from the New York Times from D day and also from 1912 of the Titanic. Most are wrapped in plastic as the person who kept them was very particular. Please Contact me as to if they are worth anything.

  8. Johnson on October 29th, 2015 10:16 am

    Hava newpaper fromindian poll newspaper 1806 and masinic temple paper 1910. Is worth any thing today. Thanks

  9. GuyHeilenman on November 3rd, 2015 11:51 am

    Hello Johnson – Send this info to Tim at timothy@rarenewspapers.com. He typically responds within less than 24 hours.

  10. GuyHeilenman on November 3rd, 2015 11:52 am

    Hello Jessie – Send this info to Tim at timothy@rarenewspapers.com. He typically responds within less than 24 hours.

  11. kimberly clausen on November 4th, 2015 1:12 pm

    I know someone who has an issues of the mercury from Manhattan ks. Its a centennial issue from 1985. It has all important events that happened over the last 100 years. Is it worth anything?

  12. Hollie Stokes on November 6th, 2015 9:35 pm

    Hello! I have some old papers dating back to 1903. Is it worth pursuing to see if they are valuable? Also have some national enquirer and such with elvis and more.
    Thanks

  13. GuyHeilenman on November 9th, 2015 8:29 am

    In our opinion, this is simply too recent and too common (centennial issues) to have collectible value at this time.

  14. GuyHeilenman on November 9th, 2015 8:35 am

    Hello Hollie, Based on what you have mentioned, there doesn’t appear to be issues of value. However, you’ve only mentioned a few. If you want a more accurate answer, please send the information regarding your issues (dates and titles) to Tim Hughes at timothy@rarenewspapers.com. We may have interest depending upon its authenticity, condition, and content.

  15. Juan Valdovinos on November 10th, 2015 10:20 pm

    Hello,
    I have the complete newspaper of The Indianapolis Star dated Tuesday morning April 28,1914 valued at 2 cents for that day (Volume 11 Number 327). Articles within the newspaper include “Uncle Sam is now committed” “Athlete breaks world record” and a lot of issues regarding tension with Mexico. Along with the newspaper is the Certificate of Authenticity and Ownership. The newspaper is not in mint condition but is in good condition and although the edges are breaking off I would love for someone to be able to preserve this piece of history.
    Thank You

  16. Juan Valdovinos on November 10th, 2015 10:37 pm

    Also on the front page an article referring to Pancho Villa. “Break Between Villa and Chief May Bring New Mexican Crisis”

  17. GuyHeilenman on November 11th, 2015 7:24 am

    Hello Juan – According to our pretty-extensive records, this content would not result in the issue having collectible value. It isn’t that there is nothing of interest within the issue, it’s simply the difficulty in finding someone who desires to collect it at a cost. Best wishes – Guy

  18. GuyHeilenman on November 11th, 2015 7:25 am

    This would not change the previous response. Sorry.

  19. Dan on November 13th, 2015 10:35 pm

    Hello Tim, Guy,

    I have 2 newspapers I was wondering the value. I have a certificate of authenticity for each. Both newspapers are complete and in a vinyl jacket to keep deterioration free.
    I have the following-

    1. The Evening Star (with Sunday morning edition) Washington, D.C., Saturday august 29, 1925
    2. The Dallas Morning News – Dallas Texas Wednesday May 14, 1924

    I would like to know how much these 2 newspapers value are.

    Thanks in advance for your help!

  20. GuyHeilenman on November 16th, 2015 7:26 am

    Hello Dan, We only supple certificates for issues which have either come from us or for those we have viewed directly. If you want to send them on to us we would be happy to appraise them (no charge except for the return postage – insured), and to provide COA’s, $3/each. I hope this helps. If you decide to go this route, our mailing address is 341 E. Southern Ave South Williamsport, PA 17702.

  21. Angel on November 20th, 2015 3:11 pm

    I found an old Scrap book. It has cut outs of the newspaper. Some are of the Titanic, the captain, and pictures of the officers, and a poem called the “The Doom of the Deep”. All through the book there is different articles. American soldiers at grave of Lieutenant Quentin Rosevelt in France 1918, and alot more?

  22. GuyHeilenman on November 23rd, 2015 1:41 pm

    Hello Angel, Our clients/collectors only seek complete newspapers. Sorry.

  23. kasandra on November 26th, 2015 6:01 am

    Hi I have a nz news paper from 1962 it’s mainly about captain cook is this worth any value

  24. Monica aamora on November 30th, 2015 12:36 pm

    I have old newspapers in good condition of the jfk assassination,and old news papers of old presidents as well.are they worth anything?

  25. tina on December 1st, 2015 4:32 pm

    I have a complete newspaper from the dallas news dated june 15th 1947. it has a letter of authenticity and in a heavy plastic cover plus a nice blue binder the has printed the dallas morning news. would it be worth anything?

  26. Brandon on December 1st, 2015 7:00 pm

    I have a Wednesday August 15, 1945 complete newspaper from the Detroit press and the title says world war is over; jap emperor bows. I was just wondering how much this was worth. Thanks

  27. Robin on December 2nd, 2015 7:41 am

    Hello Guy, I have full sets of the Times Education Supplement. 1954. 1955. 1956. 1959. 1960. A lot are in good condition, some not quite so good. Any chance you could get back to me please to point me in the right direction or value them? Regards Robin.

  28. Rocky on December 2nd, 2015 8:14 pm

    Is a paper from the day after Kennedy was shot worth anything

  29. Edmund Benaojan on December 4th, 2015 7:28 pm

    Hi, I have a 1943 New York Times newspaper all intact, news are all about the height of WWII in Europe. Let me know if it has a value.

  30. avery alexander on December 9th, 2015 11:06 am

    I found a newspaper in near perfect condition from april 3 1968 the day after mlkjr was assassonated is it worth anything

  31. Hector olvera on December 15th, 2015 7:33 pm

    I found 3 original news paper from 1934 november 28, 29 , 29 all with baby face nelson die. I found them in a museum I was working trying to find out if I can sell them and how much? Please help
    Thank you

  32. april on December 17th, 2015 11:00 am

    I have a the herald-dispatch extra dev 7,1941 paper wondering value. It’s in a frame

  33. Jessica on December 19th, 2015 5:26 am

    Hello Guy,
    My name’s Jessica and I’m asking about what I believe is a book of important newspapers articles. The name of it is…
    “FRONT PAGE
    A Collection of Historical Headlines
    from the Los Angeles Times 1881-1987″
    Published by Harry N. Abrams.

    It starts from Sunday morning, December 4,1881 with small news, like using advertisement by putting business cards in their. Then there are the headlines of President Roosevelt’s election Wednesday morning November 9, 1932, along with his death which was Thursday morning, April 12, 1945. Even had the headline on the V-E DAY from Monday morning, May 7, 1945!! Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963. It has the headline about Armstrong from Apollo 11 at 7:56 p.m. putting his left foot on the lunar surface saying, ‘That’s One Small Step for Man… One Giant Leap for Mankind’!! The Monday headline about President Reagan’s shot to the chest that took his life on March 30, 1981!! But to top it off, it even has two of the most likely talked about (crazy/shocking) headlines there were in the 1970’s!!! Tuesday, August 16, 1977… Elvis Presley dying at 42 years old from respiratory destress!!! Then there was the HORRIBLY HUGE Charles Manson trial for 27 counts of First-Degree Murder, and on Monday January 25, 1971… HIM AND HIS ” 3 GIRLS” WERE CONVICTED OF ALL 27 COUNTS!!!
    With almost 300 pages, this is a small fraction of what’s in this collection. And I’d like to pass this to our kids like it was to us… So I’m asking if this book of major historical headlines has any value??

  34. GRAHAM WILLS on December 26th, 2015 1:50 pm

    hi i have a news paper from saturday january 1 1785 the universal daily register is it worth anything

  35. Andre sanchez on December 26th, 2015 7:43 pm

    I have a newspaper from October 15,1933 which is the rocky mountain news and was just wondering if it was worth anything?

  36. Stacey Carey on December 27th, 2015 3:14 pm

    Hello
    I have an old newspaper dated Nov. 22 From Baltimore news co, JFK assanated. Mint condition. Could this be worth anything?

  37. prakhar on December 28th, 2015 10:45 am

    hey,
    I have a complete newspaper dated 15th Aug 1945, Indian Independence Day, printed in India by “The Statesman”. The newspaper has all the pages in their original form and in excellent condition.

  38. prakhar on December 28th, 2015 10:48 am

    sorry its 15th Aug 1947

  39. Bill on December 31st, 2015 5:24 pm

    Hello,
    I just got a Richmond TImes Dispatch Feb 10, 1945 Full paper. Also has something in the middle like a ad. Not sure because its sealed in plastic and I have not opened yet. I just got because I wanted to read and it was 15 bucks at a thrift shop. It also has a Certificate of Authentication from Historic Newspapers Archives. Worth checking out before i open in up? Very good condition for age. Yellow from age and corners a little worn but that about it.

  40. Christie on January 1st, 2016 8:56 pm

    I have a newspaper that features the death and autopsy of Bonnie and Clyde. How much would this be worth?

  41. sylvia doyle on January 4th, 2016 3:37 am

    I have 2 newspapers from 1952 February 11 reporting the kings funeral procession through London the other is 7 may 1952 not sure if anything of importance happened in that one would either be of any value ?

  42. Susan Kanegawa on January 4th, 2016 11:57 pm

    I have a complete copy of the final edition of the Los Angeles Examiner from 1962. It is in fair condition (layman’s terms). Is it worth anything, or shall I get rid of it?

  43. jan braunstein on January 5th, 2016 2:16 pm

    I have a metal tabloid size “micro metal” plate from San Bernardino Sun. It is the front page from 1945, reverse image :headline Atomic Bomb Booms Japan. Do you if this is a commemorative piece or…??? I found it at an estate sale. Thanks in advance for any info you might offer. Jan

  44. Jean Joyce on January 8th, 2016 10:01 am

    I have some old newspaper that my Mother stayed when President John F Kennedy was shot and the funeral walk and more. They are from the Chicago Tribe and Chicago Daily New. I would love to hear back are they worth anything ?
    Jean

  45. Larry Hopson on January 9th, 2016 3:58 pm

    I have an old newspaper and the headlines say (PEACE) in bold letters then Truman Announces jap Surrender, Ends Fighting; MacArthur Named Chief; Draft Calls Are Slashed. The paper is The Philadelphia Inquirer Dated Wednesday Morning, August 15, 1945. I have yet to find out if it is worth! I came across it in a box of stuff that belonged to my Father. I don’t collect newspapers therefore I have no idea what it’s worth. I would love to find out. Respectfully Larry Hopson

  46. GuyHeilenman on January 11th, 2016 2:09 pm

    Hello Larry,

    Depending upon condition, they vary from about $25-$100, retail. Feel free to send a note to me at guy@rarenewspapers.com with a picture or two, and s statement about the completeness and condition of the issue, and I’ll try to narrow down the value for you.

  47. GuyHeilenman on January 11th, 2016 2:10 pm

    They are going for about $10 on eBay (when they sell – which is not often since they are still readily available). Good luck.

  48. GuyHeilenman on January 11th, 2016 2:16 pm

    Hello Jan – I wish we could help. We only are knowledgeable about the actual newspapers themselves. Sorry.

  49. GuyHeilenman on January 11th, 2016 2:17 pm

    Hello Susan – We are not aware that it currently has value. I’m not so sure I’d throw it out since it could have value in time, but as of now… Sorry.

  50. GuyHeilenman on January 11th, 2016 2:19 pm

    Hello Sylvia, We are not aware that they have collector value. Sorry.

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