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Do old magazines themselves have any collectible value?

Asked by sitecontributor|Magazines and Papers

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BidBuySmart

Some do, but most do not. Many magazines were printed in large numbers and saved by lots of people, so common issues often sell for modest amounts or are hard to sell at all. Value usually comes from rarity, condition, subject, and demand from specific collectors.

Issues that tend to attract interest include first issues, those with famous cover subjects or historic events, early appearances of well-known writers or artists, certain pulp, comic, music, sports, and automotive titles, and magazines with striking cover art or advertising. Complete runs of a title can also interest collectors.

Condition matters a lot. Covers should be intact and attached, with bright color and no missing pages, clipped coupons, water damage, or mildew. Store magazines flat in a cool, dry place, ideally in acid-free sleeves. Before selling, check recent sold results for the specific title and issue, since general categories vary widely.

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