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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Comments

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

  1. GuyHeilenman on January 25th, 2016 2:23 pm

    Hello Pete – If you can send me (guy@rarenewspapers.com) a few pics (top, edges) I can probably tell, but being only a front page, it likely doesn’t have much value – if any.

  2. Paulette Belk on January 26th, 2016 4:59 pm

    I have a 16 page copy of Patent News Washington, D. C. DATED June 1927. I’m afraid it has been folded and creased and is pretty brittle with some tears. The news on the front page is:
    “A MILLION DOLLAR CHECK TO INVENTOR” this was to Anatol Josepho for his invention to what seems to be the photo booth;
    RADIO VISION SOON TO ENABLE FANS TO SEE EVENTS, CLAIM this is for C FRANCIS JENKINS’ device to sending motion pictures through the air;
    NAVAL PLANE TESTED IS CALLED REVOLUTIONARY, a successful flight of a single motor air-cooled bombing plane constructed by the Glenn L Martin Airplane Co.
    HENRY FORD PATENTS PLANE ENGINE PARTS the patents were for a type of intake and exhaust manifold and a design for a crankshaft. It says these patents show Ford was in the design of airplane motors. The patents were issued to Ford personally and not to his Motor Co.
    The inner pages have sketches of various inventions among them are ; a refrigerator by Milton Heath; combination bumper and fender by T. C. Pelan; roatating sprinkler, by O.A. Kittenger; a traffic signaling device for cars by Richard Taeuber. It’s an interesting little paper.
    I have not been able to find any information on this publication on the internet and am wondering if these type of publications have any value.?

  3. Mindy Oberreuter on January 27th, 2016 1:43 pm

    Is there any value in the advertisements?

  4. GuyHeilenman on January 27th, 2016 2:50 pm

    Hello Paulette – Can you send me a picture or two to my e-mail at guy@rarenewspapers.com? I am not familiar with this title.

  5. GuyHeilenman on January 27th, 2016 2:52 pm

    Hello Mindy – We do not do much with the advertisements within newspapers. Some are collectible, but as far as we know, only if they are contained within their original context (the newspapers they were printed within) – at least that is the track-record of the collectors with whom we’re familiar.

  6. Robert W Phillips III on January 28th, 2016 4:05 pm

    hello, we have found in a old trunk a newspaper dated Dec 7 1941 from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. is there anyway to tell if this was/is a reprint. It doesn’t have the words re-print listed on it anywhere

  7. richard on January 28th, 2016 11:39 pm

    1945 new york times.
    Headline is.
    First atomic bomb dropped in japan.
    Any value?

  8. Char on January 30th, 2016 2:14 pm

    Have have full newspaper’s from minnesota dated October 26, 1987 when Minnesota Twins won world series. Any value.

  9. GuyHeilenman on February 1st, 2016 8:00 am
  10. GuyHeilenman on February 1st, 2016 8:06 am

    Hello Char – Hang on to them. Maybe at some point, but as for now they are too recent to have real collector value. Perhaps in time.

  11. Elizabeth on February 1st, 2016 9:05 am

    Hi,

    I have about three pages of an old new paper dated the same day of the beginning of world war 1. The head lines are the main features of the cover.

  12. Elizabeth on February 1st, 2016 9:23 am

    OAHU Bombed by Japanese Planes New paper. 1941

  13. Ann Urso on February 3rd, 2016 12:31 pm

    I have newpaper clippings dated 1900 headed..Our Duty To The People Of The Philippines..with various ones with autographs..like Louis R Echrich and Howland J Hamlin …and more..worth anything??? Thanks

  14. GuyHeilenman on February 9th, 2016 6:56 am

    Hello Elizabeth – It is rare that incomplete papers have real collector value – unless they are incredibly dramatic. Additionally, WW1 newspapers are not highly sought after. Still, if you think yours is in pretty good shape and is dramatic, send a few photo shots to me at guy@rarenewspapers.com

  15. GuyHeilenman on February 9th, 2016 6:57 am

    Hello again Elizabeth. Send images of the paper to me at guy@rarenewspapers.com.

  16. GuyHeilenman on February 9th, 2016 7:01 am

    Hello Ann – If they are clippings, they do not have collector value. Sorry.

  17. andrew on February 9th, 2016 7:52 am

    I have a letter of the inauguration invitation with a seal for 2009 Obama became president , worth money ?

  18. andrew on February 9th, 2016 7:59 am

    I have news paper with baby face Nelson ????

  19. GuyHeilenman on February 9th, 2016 8:11 am

    Hello Andrew – Can you send a picture (or two), the exact date, the title, and a note about condition to me at Guy@rarenewspapers.com.? I’ll let you know what I think.

  20. GuyHeilenman on February 9th, 2016 8:12 am

    Hello Andrew – We only have knowledge of newspapers. We won’t be able to help with this. Sorry.

  21. KATHY on February 9th, 2016 3:20 pm

    my father in law passed away and we found a bundle of courier express newspapers form nov 23 1963 headlines SNIPERS SHOTS SLAY KENNEDY LYNDON HOHNSONS IS SWORN IN are these worth anything or just fish paper?

  22. Ashley on February 9th, 2016 4:44 pm

    I have a Dec 18, 1876
    The centennial post
    Washington city news paper. Any value?

  23. Vincent on February 12th, 2016 12:25 am

    Hello guy im from phillipines and i accidentally found a 1951 news paper from manila times it featured our filipino troops came from korea war and some old advertising, does this have any value at all?

  24. Patrick on February 12th, 2016 6:38 pm

    I have a complete copy of “The Star” (London) from August 6th, 1801. It has the red stamp tax on it and sold for a half penny. What is the value.

  25. Chuck on February 14th, 2016 7:25 pm

    Hello! I have an 1869 Alabama Republican in very good shape. It’s been handed down from my grandmother who grew up in Decatur. Any idea on value, if any? Thank you.

  26. Steve on February 15th, 2016 8:47 am

    I have an issue of the Sunday Pittsburg Post from Jan 27, 1901 and at that time the fedral government made the city dropped the H from its name. The headline or major current event that date was the death of Queen Victoria of England. There is also an article covering the time when the railroads for entertainment purposes crashed to steam locomotive engines head on at top speed live in front of a crowd. I found this paper mixed in with old photos at an antique photoshop. I would and need to know more about this paper. If anyone can help please do

  27. Steve on February 15th, 2016 8:53 am

    Hi Guy my name is Steve I’m not to familiar using the internet to communicate so forgive my ignorance I have a issue of the Sunday morning edition of the Pittsburg Post and Pittsburgh is now spelt with an H from Jan 27, 1901 and the main current event was the death of Queen Victoria of England I would like to know more about old papers,

  28. Connie on February 17th, 2016 2:48 am

    How much for a 1819 Arkansas Gazette.1 vol.-No. 1. November 20,1819

  29. Jesse on February 17th, 2016 8:27 pm

    I have Seattle post intelingencer. Dated Jan29th, 1929. Lots of fun articles. Everything from the main headline (which talks about record freezing temperatures around the northwest) to political headlines, classifieds and even a picture of two airplanes exchanging tons of cigarettes mid air. There are 24 pages. VOL XCVI NO. 70

  30. GuyHeilenman on February 18th, 2016 9:24 am

    Hello Kathy – At this point so many people have them, when they sell, it is typically only for a few dollars. If I were you, I’d hang on to them if you can.

  31. GuyHeilenman on February 18th, 2016 9:26 am

    Hello Ashley – Without having it in hand it is impossible to know for sure, but our extensive data base for content does not show anything for this date that would make it desirable to collectors. Sorry.

  32. GuyHeilenman on February 18th, 2016 9:36 am

    Hello vincent – Unless it is announcing the beginning or end of the war, probably not. If so, I would hang on to it as right now they do not have much value – $50 or so.

  33. GuyHeilenman on February 18th, 2016 9:41 am

    Hello Patrick – Without having it in hand it is impossible to know for sure, but our extensive data base for content does not show anything for this date that would make it desirable to collectors. Sorry.

  34. GuyHeilenman on February 18th, 2016 9:43 am

    Hello Chuck – Send the exact date and a statement about condition and completeness to me at guy@rarenewspapers.com – and I will get back to you.

  35. GuyHeilenman on February 18th, 2016 9:53 am

    Hello Steve – It is a bit of an oddity, with a very narrow interest (people from Pittsburgh), but it is interesting. The Pittsburg usage was primarily (but not exclusively) used from about 1891 to 1911 – so I do not think the actual date of the issue has collectible significance, but without doing considerable research and having the issue in hand, it would be difficult to know for sure. If you could send a few images of the article that describes this “official” change, I’d be happy to tell you what I think – for what it is worth. Perhaps others can weigh in as well. My e-mail address is guy@rarenewspapers.com.

  36. GuyHeilenman on February 18th, 2016 9:55 am

    Hello again Steve – I just sent a response to your first post. If you need anything else, please let me know. Guy

  37. GuyHeilenman on February 18th, 2016 9:56 am

    Hello Connie – Since you posted this, we’ve discussed this via e-maim. If you need anything else, please let me know.

  38. GuyHeilenman on February 18th, 2016 9:57 am

    Hello Jesse – Without having it in hand it is impossible to know for sure, but our extensive data base for content does not show anything for this date that would make it desirable to collectors. Sorry.

  39. james on February 18th, 2016 10:13 am

    Do you know if original London Herald kennedy Assasinated newspaper is worth a lot?
    would love to know thanks

  40. james on February 18th, 2016 10:52 am

    hello is a london herald kennedy assassinated newspaper worth much?

  41. LOUIE on February 18th, 2016 3:56 pm

    Hello Guy, first of all, thank you very much for answering every Email sent to you, your response helps us all get more info on items that may or may not be of value. From reading most posts above, I take it Newspaper clippings have No value…that’s a shame because I have about 150 NP clippings from Nov. 1963 when JFK was assassinated, Jackie Kennedy in mourning, Robert Oswald, Robert Kennedy, Jack Ruby. I also have 5 complete NP from the day of assassination…. I will send you pictures. Thank you once again.

  42. Greta McClai on February 20th, 2016 8:26 am

    Would a Nashville Banner newspaper from 1925 with the front page headline reading
    “Anti-Evolution Law Constitutional” be worth anything. The newspaper went out of business in the 1980’s and the headline refers to the Scopes trial verdict.

  43. Damian Nickerson on February 20th, 2016 2:54 pm

    I have a newspaper of the challenger explosion. Newspaper is from southbridge, ma. Value? Thanks

  44. Alex on February 22nd, 2016 6:13 am

    Hey there, I have a few newspapers (the Toronto daily star, the globe and mail) head lining the moon landing (July 21, july 1969)
    A few leading up to and afterwards (July 24th, 17th, 12th and one from Feb 20th 1962, also one with the king of Englands death (Wed Feb 6th, 1952) I can send pictures if you’d like, please get back to me and thank you, Alex.

  45. Larry on February 22nd, 2016 5:14 pm

    I have a New York Sun newspaper, dated Dec 10, 1936. The headline deals with the abdication of King Edward, of Britain, to run off with Wallace, his lady friend. I also have 2 copies of the New York Herald, dated Dec 11, 1936, headlines dealing with the same issue, but with further details.
    Any Value? They are in fairly rugged shape. They are in a clear plastic wrapper, but not sealed, and they are beginning to tear at the fold. I hope I’m in as good shape when I hit 80!
    Many thanks,
    Larry

  46. Meghan on February 22nd, 2016 5:22 pm

    Hi
    I have recently come across a lot of old newspapers dated from late 1800s to early 1900s
    Examples:
    New England Farmer may 14, 1870
    New Jersey Pilot April 15, 1882
    The Christian endeavor world February 17, 1898
    Senior quarterly no 4, vol xx1 1900
    The Boston post July 20,1919
    The Saturday evening post February 17, 1917
    The gentlewomen October 1917
    And a framed Sunday News with Abraham Lincoln on the cover May 12,1950 (in tribute to Lincoln)
    This is just a sample and outside of my expertise. Should I be looking for special articles / newspapers / dates / condition that are of value?
    Thank you so much for any info!

  47. yvettejobs on February 24th, 2016 3:44 pm

    I have an Atlantic city November 22. 1963 extra fully in tact…is that worth anything

  48. Richie on February 24th, 2016 4:35 pm

    Recently, my grandmother was cleaning her house (which was owned by a semi-rich doctor) and found a leather bound case with the New York Times written on it. To her surprise, it was a newspaper dated September 26th, 1914. The headline says something like “Americans Push Back the Germans in Noyord” or something like that. It is sealed with a certificate of authenticity. What would this be worth? Thank you for your time.

  49. Ashley on February 28th, 2016 10:05 pm

    Hello, I have several:
    1928- “HOOVER WINS” headline – The Pinckneyville advocate (a very small town press that I believe is long gone), perfect condition.
    1915- (this is some kind of sales flyer) “Sugar Offers”- July, August
    1930- (december)Don’t see any headline, but it reads: The Democrat
    The peoples newspaper- pages are damaged, I’m afraid to open in to see if there’s a memorable headline or story
    1926- The household magazine
    By Nell B. Nichols
    1927- St.Louis Post Dispatch- no visible headlines, just a section titled ” York Bond Market Arket Transactions “- I’m curious if this one was saved due to the typo ” Market Arket”?
    June 13, 1929- The Democrat- no memorable head line

  50. Casda on February 29th, 2016 9:50 pm

    Hi there. I have a Vancouver Daily Province 1941. Headline is ‘Soviet Bayonets Hurl Back Hun’. In good shape.

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