Rare Books

Rare books are a notable investment, particularly for those who appreciate the significance of written language. Books are made rare when there is a high demand from buyers but few known copies in existence. The demand for a book is created by a combination of factors, often including status as a first edition, signed book, or written by a famous historical figure, illustrated by a famous person, or pre-owned and marked by a famous figure. Ultimately, the book is a often a historical record or a work that changed history.

Leonardo Da Vinci’s "Codex Leicester" is one of the most rare books in the world. Da Vinci’s journal focusing on water is one of his more organized manuscripts, although the notes are still the chaotic reflection of brainstorming by a genius. The journal is occasionally on display at various museums. The 1640 Bay Psalm Book was the first book written in British America and the first book printed in English in the New World. It is one of only 11 surviving copies.

Collectors can often find interesting examples of rare books at auction. Another way to develop a collection of rare books is to simply keep the books you love, or seek out modern landmark books that shake up the world and wait for their values to increase.

Quick Facts

• A first edition first issue copy of "The Sun Also Rises" with the original dust jacket sold for $161,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2014
• "Cosmographia" by Ptolemaeus was the first atlas printed in Germany and the first atlas with woodcut maps. It sold for $609,000 at an auction by Sotheby’s in 2014
• "The Incredible Hulk #180" by Herb Trimpe and Jack Abel featuring the first appearance of the Wolverine character sold for $657,250 at Heritage Auctions in 2014