As an antique collector and expert with over 20 years of experience, I‘m often asked whether old newspapers have any value. The truth is, while most old papers aren‘t worth the paper they‘re printed on, certain rare editions are highly sought-after by collectors and can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my knowledge on what makes an old newspaper valuable, highlight some of the most collectible papers, and offer tips for collectors looking to start or expand their collection.
What Determines an Old Newspaper‘s Value?
There are several key factors that impact an old newspaper‘s collectibility and value:
Historical Significance
The most important factor is the historical significance of the events reported in the paper. Newspapers that cover major, iconic events are the most desirable to collectors. Examples include:
- The sinking of the Titanic in 1912
- The St. Valentine‘s Day Massacre in 1929
- The bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941
- The D-Day invasion of 1944
- The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963
- The Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969
A newspaper that reports a significant event for the first time, especially one from the city where it occurred or from a famous publication like the New York Times, will have the most value.
Condition
The condition of an old newspaper also plays a key role in its value. Since newspapers are printed on low-quality acidic paper, they tend to deteriorate quickly. Many papers from the 19th and early 20th century suffer from browning, brittleness, and chipping.
Old newspapers are graded on a scale based on their condition:
- Poor/fair – Heavily worn with sections missing, major tears, etc.
- Good – Moderate signs of age and wear but intact and legible
- Very good – Minor signs of age, light wear
- Fine – Appears almost new with very minimal wear
- Very fine/mint – Like new condition, no blemishes
In general, a paper in fine or very fine condition will be worth much more than one in poor condition. However, a historically significant paper in lesser condition can still be quite valuable.
Displayability and Headline
How prominently a story is featured in the newspaper has a major impact on collector interest and value. A large front page headline article is more desirable than a small article on the inside pages.
Likewise, a visually striking or shocking front page image can boost value. Examples of iconic headlines that increase the value of a paper include:
- "PEACE!" after WWI armistice in 1918
- "WALL ST. LAYS AN EGG" after 1929 stock market crash
- "MEN WALK ON MOON" after Apollo 11 in 1969
Scarcity and Print Run
Finally, the rarity of the newspaper has a major impact on its collectible value. Factors that impact scarcity include:
- Age of the paper (very old 18th-19th century papers are rarest)
- Geographic location (papers from smaller towns/cities are rarer)
- Original print run (famous national papers had larger print runs)
- Survivability (many old papers were discarded over the years)
Special edition papers with a limited print run, such as the Tombstone Epitaph reporting on the OK Corral shootout, are among the rarest and most valuable.
Most Valuable Old Newspapers
Now that we‘ve covered the key characteristics of collectible newspapers, let‘s look at some of the most valuable papers sold in recent years. This data comes from major auction houses and private sales.
| Newspaper | Event | Date | Condition | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu Star-Bulletin "2nd Extra" | Pearl Harbor Bombing | Dec. 7, 1941 | Very Fine | $30,000 |
| New York Herald | Lincoln Assassination | April 15, 1865 | Fine | $27,500 |
| Ulster County Gazette | George Washington Death | Jan. 4, 1800 | Good | $24,000 |
| Boston Daily Globe | Titanic Sinking | April 16, 1912 | Fine | $20,000 |
| New York Times | U.S. Enters WWII | Dec. 8, 1941 | Very Good | $9,500 |
| Dallas Morning News "Extra" | JFK Assassination | Nov. 22, 1963 | Fine | $8,500 |
As you can see, newspapers reporting on major, emotionally impactful events in U.S. history tend to be the most valuable, especially when in above average condition.
Collecting Rare Newspapers
For collectors interested in acquiring valuable old newspapers, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
-
Focus on papers of historical significance – The most important factor in value is the importance of the events covered. Focus on collecting papers that report on major historical events.
-
Pay attention to condition – Unless the newspaper is extremely rare, condition has a big impact on value. Try to collect papers in fine to very fine condition and store them properly to avoid deterioration.
-
Know your dealers and auctions – The best place to acquire rare newspapers is through reputable dealers and auction houses. Some of the top options include Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers, Rare Newspapers, and Heritage Auctions.
-
Invest in key titles – Certain newspapers, like the New York Times, are more collectible. When possible, focus on acquiring papers from major historical titles and cities relevant to the events.
-
Be aware of reprints – Some old newspapers were reprinted years later for anniversaries or commemorative purposes. While still collectible, reprints are less valuable than original period printings.
The Future of Newspaper Collecting
Like many antique collectible fields, the rare newspaper market has seen its ups and downs over the years. Interest surged in the 1970s-90s but has declined somewhat as collectors age.
However, I believe rare newspapers still offer solid investment potential and room for growth. As more museums and collectors recognize the historical value in preserving newspapers, and rare papers become even scarcer, values are likely to rise.
Some positive signs for the future of newspaper collecting include the recent record-setting sales of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin reporting Pearl Harbor for $30,000 in 2020 and a 1789 Massachusetts Centinel for over $40,000 in 2019.
Additionally, the New York Times and other major newspapers have launched "TimesMachine" services providing complete digitized archives of their past issues. This will expose more people to important historical front pages and could spark new interest in acquiring physical copies.
Preserving Rare Newspapers
To maintain the value of a rare newspaper, proper storage and preservation is critical. Key steps collectors should take include:
- Storing papers flat in acid-free boxes, sleeves, or frames
- Keeping papers out of direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures
- Minimizing handling and wearing clean white gloves when touching
- Having rare papers professionally deacidified, restored and conserved
While some collectors also digitize their papers by scanning or photographing, I always recommend preserving the original hard copies using archival best practices to retain value.
Notable Newspaper Collectors
Newspaper collecting has attracted some notable figures over the years. Perhaps the most famous collector was Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian Stanley Klos. Klos amassed a priceless collection of over 30,000 rare newspapers dating back to the 16th century, including the first printed newspaper from 1605.
Other major collectors include:
- William Randolph Hearst – The newspaper magnate had an extensive collection
- Eric Caren – Assembled an archive of over 1 million papers dating to the 1500s
- Philip Isaacson – Gifted a $2 million collection to The American Antiquarian Society
Today, some of the most significant collections are held by university and public libraries, such as the British Library‘s Burney Collection. However, many rare papers remain in private collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a collector and dealer of rare newspapers for over two decades, here are some of the most common questions I hear regarding old newspaper values:
Q: What‘s the best way to determine an old newspaper‘s value?
A: The key factors that determine value are the significance of the events reported, the condition, the displayability/headline, and the scarcity. To research a paper‘s value, start by searching for similar papers that have sold recently at auction or by dealers online. Note the specifics of the paper such as the date, publication, completeness, and condition. If you have a very rare or valuable paper, consider having it appraised by an expert.
Q: How do I go about selling an old newspaper collection?
A: If you have a collection of old papers you are looking to sell, there are a few options. For a large or valuable collection, I recommend contacting a reputable dealer or auction house that specializes in rare newspapers. They can help you identify the most valuable pieces, appraise the collection, and find the right buyers. For less valuable papers, selling on eBay or to individual collectors can be a good option.
Q: What are some of the most valuable individual newspaper issues?
A: Some of the most valuable individual newspapers I‘ve seen sold include the Ulster County Gazette reporting George Washington‘s death from 1800 ($24,000), the Honolulu Star-Bulletin "Extra" reporting the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941 ($30,000), and the New York Herald reporting Lincoln‘s assassination in 1865 ($27,500). Other valuable issues cover events like the sinking of the Titanic, the moon landing, and the Kennedy assassination.
Q: Are there any rare newspapers that are particularly good investments?
A: In my opinion, some of the best old newspapers to collect as investments are those from the American Revolution period in the late 18th century and the Civil War era in the early 1860s. Papers from these time periods are very rare, and document pivotal events in U.S. history. Since they are highly sought-after and prices have risen steadily, I believe papers from these eras offer some of the best investment potential.
Q: What are some tips for storing and preserving old newspapers?
A: To preserve an old newspaper, the most important thing is to store it properly. The key things are to keep the paper out of direct light and moisture, and to store it flat in an acid-free archival sleeve or box. Avoid folding the paper if possible, and don‘t keep it in regular cardboard boxes or plastic sleeves which can accelerate deterioration. If you have a very old or rare paper, consider having it professionally conserved and restored.
The Bottom Line
In summary, while most old newspapers aren‘t particularly valuable, certain rare editions can be worth substantial sums to collectors. Papers that cover major historical events, feature eye-catching headlines, and are in good condition tend to be the most valuable.
As an antique collector and dealer, I believe rare newspapers offer a compelling way to own a tangible piece of history. While the market has fluctuated over time, I‘m optimistic that the value and interest in rare newspapers will continue to grow as more people recognize their historical significance.
If you‘re looking to start or expand a collection, focus on acquiring papers of major historical significance from reputable dealers or auctions. And always remember to properly store and preserve your papers to protect your investment.
Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the world of old newspapers offers endless opportunities for discovery and appreciation. So the next time you come across a stack of old papers, take a closer look – you may just have a valuable piece of history on your hands.
