J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is still as prevalent today as it was when The Philosopher’s Stone first came out. The first editions of this beloved series are even more valuable today, many being purchased for thousands of dollars. Check out our list of the eight Harry Potter books worth money, and see if you still have one of these copies on your bookshelf.
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What are the most valuable Harry Potter books?
The most valuable Harry Potter books are known as the “true 1st Editions” of the book. This means that the book is a first edition, first printing, and first state (relating to cover art). There can be many printings of the same book, or several different art styles which can drastically change whether or not the book is valuable.
In terms of autographs, Rowling’s usually can increase the value of the book, but it depends on what book it is. If it is a true first edition the number should go up quite a bit, but if it is a second or third reprinting, then the value might go up a few bucks. You can also get signatures from the illustrators, but these usually do not go for as much as the Rowling signatures.
What Harry Potter books carry little value?
Books that are second or subsequent editions, book club editions, books signed by the movie cast, or movie-inspired books are all at little value. Sure, the movie star signature might make the book a little valuable, but not enough to be considered on this list.
Top Harry Potter Books Worth Money
All of these books are the true 1st editions in the series, and thus the most valuable. They are listed here from least to most valuable, along with their printer’s key to ensure you have the right edition.
8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
This true 1st edition is not valuable on its own, rather the only things that improve the value of the Order of the Phoenix is an author or illustrator signature. Look for the blue embossed diamond pattern on the cover.
- Author’s autographed 1st edition: up to $1,000
- Jason Cockcroft (illustrator) autographed UK edition: $200
- Printer’s Key: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 03 04 05 06 07
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The fourth book of the series, the Goblet of Fire, is when the series began mass printing in the United States, and the subsequent books of the series are not as valuable because of it. Look for the hardcover embossed diamond pattern.
- Author’s autographed 1st edition: $1,000+
- Printer’s Key: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0/0 01 02 03
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The last book in the series was mass produced, but Rowling had since stopped her book tours, giving any signed copy a boost in value. If you could get the edition signed by the illustrator, this also helped with the book’s value. Look for the green hardcover embossed with the diamond pattern.
- Author’s autographed 1st edition: up to $5,000
- Mary Grand Pre (illustrator) autographed edition: up to $250
- Printer’s Key: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 07 08 09 10 11
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5. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
When the Half Blood Prince came out, Rowling stopped doing book tours, so any autographed copies of the 1st edition became more valuable. Look for the purple hardcover embossed with a diamond pattern.
- Author’s autographed 1st edition: up to $5,000
- Mary Grand Pre (illustrator) autographed edition: up to $250
- Printer’s Key: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 05 06 07 08 09
4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
This is where the value of the Harry Potter books starts to skyrocket. During the time of limited printing and booksigning events, any first edition you may have of the Prisoner of Azakban will be quite valuable. In this edition look for “Joanne” instead of “J.K.” on the copyright page.
- Author’s autographed 1st edition: $1,500-$12,000
- 1st edition without autograph: $100-$700
- Printer’s Key: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Also known as the United States version of the first Harry Potter book, this one will not get as much value as its UK counterpart, but can still get a pretty penny. Look for the hardcover embossed diamond pattern.
- Author’s autographed 1st edition: up to $15,000
- 1st edition without autograph: $4,000-$6,500
- Printer’s Kay: 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 8 9/9 0/0 01 02
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The second book in the series is also conveniently at the number two spot on our list. If you have a true first edition of this copy, you are in the thousands of dollars for value, with or without the autograph. There is an embossed diamond pattern on the cover, as well as no “Year 2” badge on the hardcover spine.
- Author’s autographed 1st edition: up to $20,000
- 1st edition without autograph: up to $9,000
- Printer’s Key: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 9/9 0/0 1 2 3 4
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
The United Kingdom’s version of the first book is the Holy Grail. If you happen to have one of these copies, make sure you keep a hold of it. The first print run only contained 500 copies, making this a valuable collectible for any avid Harry Potter fan. Look for Rowling being credited as “Joanne Rowling” on the copyright page.
- 1st edition without autograph: $35,000-$55,000
- Printer’s Key: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Fans of all ages can appreciate the genius of Rowling in her astonishing series depicting a young boy, unaware of both his magical powers and destiny to defeat a great evil. If you were a fan from the beginning, perhaps you have one of these editions in your attic, sitting in a dusty box, just waiting to be rediscovered and prized as one of the few Harry Potter books worth money. So dust off those old books and see if you have any valuable editions lying around.
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