Welcome to our beginner’s antique price guide, where we aim to educate and inform those new to the world of antiques about the value and worth of different pieces. Whether you are a collector or simply looking to add a unique piece to your home, this guide will provide you with an overview of the antique market.
The chart below can help you find valuable antiques worth investing in—you may even find a treasure from one of these categories in your attic or basement. From vintage furniture to antique jewelry, we covered the basics to help you make informed decisions when shopping for or selling antiques. So, let’s dive in and discover the hidden value of antique pieces together!
Valuable Antiques Pricing Chart
The price range provided in the chart is an average based on current market values and does not include the potential high or low prices for each antique. For more examples, seek out an updated antique price guide book.
| Category | Price Range | Examples With Asking Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage Furniture | $100 – $10,000 |  Victorian Chaise Sofa – $2,600 |
| Antique Jewelry | $100 – $50,000 |  Edwardian Diamond Ring – $15,500 |
| Persian Rugs | $500 – $50,000 |  Hand-knotted Persian Rug – $9,470.27 |
| Vintage Watches | $50 – $50,000 |  Rolex Submariner – $24,601.84 |
| Antique Maps | $50 – $10,000 |  Early 20th Century World Map – $1,500 |
| Antique Lighting | $100 – $15,000 |  Art Deco Chandelier – $12,000 |
| Vintage Cameras | $50 – $5,000 |  Leica Minilux Camera – $1,190 |
| Antique Silverware | $50 – $5,000 |  Georgian Silver Tea Pot – $3,960 |
| Vintage Posters | $50 – $5,000 |  Original Star Wars Poster – $2,500 |
| Antique Books | $50 – $5,000 |  First Edition Jane Austen – $3,099.41 |
Vintage Furniture
Furniture is one of the most popular types of antiques, and it can range greatly in value. Pieces from the Art Nouveau era, for example, can fetch a high price due to their intricate designs and craftsmanship. However, it’s important to note that not all vintage furniture is valuable. It’s essential to do your research and understand what specific types and styles are in demand. A Victorian sofa, for example, can range from $100 to $10,000 on the low end (and exceedingly more on the high end).
Antique Jewelry
When it comes to antique jewelry, the value is often determined by the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, as well as the historical significance of the piece. Diamonds, gold, and platinum are some of the most sought-after materials. A piece of antique jewelry, like a designer necklace from Cartier, can range from $1,000 to $50,000 on the low end (and into the millions on the high end).
Persian Rugs
Persian rugs have been valued for their intricate designs and craftsmanship for centuries, and the age, condition, and skill of the weaver often determine the value. Hand-knotted rugs are considered the most valuable, ranging from $500 to $50,000. In rare instances, these rugs can fetch in the millions at auction.
Vintage Watches
Vintage watches, like a Rolex Submariner, are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a high price. The brand, model, and style of the watch also play a role in determining its value. Generally, nice-quality vintage watches can range from $50 to $50,000. In rare cases, these watches can be worth millions at auction. Just watch out for fakes!
Antique Maps
Antique maps are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a high price in the right environment. The value of an antique map is determined by its age, rarity, and historical significance. Maps from the 15th through 18th centuries are considered the most valuable and can range from $50 to $10,000. Exceedingly rare atlases and maps fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
Antique Lighting
Antique lighting fixtures are highly sought-after by collectors but must be rewired before they can be safely used in a home. Therefore, the original condition is not mandatory. The value of an antique light is determined mostly by the materials used, such as slag glass, metal, and wood. An unsigned antique chandelier can range from $100 to $10,000. Lighting from manufacturers like Tiffany Studios is exceptionally rare, and these lights could reach into the millions.
Vintage Cameras
Vintage and antique cameras are highly sought after by a niche collectors market. The value of a vintage camera is determined by the brand, model, and style. For example, although the market is somewhat unpredictable, a vintage Leica camera can range anywhere from $50 to $5,000. On a particularly good day, this camera brand has fetched over $15 million at auction—which is the record for the most expensive camera ever sold.
Antique Silver
Antique silver’s value is mostly determined by its age, rarity, and craftsmanship. While it’s important for the item to be solid silver (not silverplate), the design and pattern also play a role in determining value. Most collectors seek silver items from the 18th century and earlier. A basic Georgian Silver Tea Set can range from $50 to $5,000. However, a tea set from that era with a prominent maker’s mark can fetch hundreds of thousands at auction.
Vintage Posters
Who knew vintage posters were highly sought after by collectors? After all, these are copies of a piece of art (and are not original by any means). There may even be thousands of copies available, so the value of a vintage poster is mainly determined by its age, rarity, and historical significance. The artist, design, and subject also play a role. For example, an original Alphonse Mucha poster could fetch tens or hundreds of thousands at auction. You can pick up other less famous posters or lithographs from the Art Nouveau era for between $400 – $5,000.
Antique Books
Antique books have an extremely vast value range that is determined by the book’s age, rarity, and historical significance. The author, edition, and condition of the book also play an important role in determining its value. A first-edition book can range from $50 to $5,000. But what about a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio? Well, the most expensive copy sold for nearly $10 million.