Collecting antiques can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can be difficult to determine the value of your pieces. Fortunately, there are many price guides available that can help you appraise your antiques and make informed decisions about their worth. Here are the best antique price guide books to help you get started.
Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide
Updated 2023
This popular price guide, written by Ralph and Terry Kovel, offers a comprehensive list of antique and collectible prices. It is updated annually and includes more than 500,000 prices for a wide range of items, from pottery and glassware to furniture and jewelry.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Well-organized and easy to navigate | ✕ May not have as much information on newer collectibles or pop culture items |
| ✓ Comprehensive and well-researched pricing information | ✕ Pricing is an estimation and is subject to change |
| ✓ Updated annually to reflect changes in the market | |
| ✓ Includes color photos throughout the guide to help illustrate the items |
Miller’s Antiques Handbook & Price Guide
Updated 2023
This comprehensive guide is a favorite among professional antique dealers and collectors. It offers detailed descriptions and photographs of various items, expert advice, and up-to-date pricing information.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Detailed information on a wide range of antique categories, including furniture, ceramics, silver, glass, and more | ✕ Some information may not be completely up to date. |
| ✓ Includes several consultants in the field, offering valuable insights and advice on authenticating and valuing items | ✕ Some users may find the layout and formatting of the book to be less user-friendly than other guides. |
| ✓ Includes color photos and illustrations to help identify and value items | |
| ✓ The book is divided into sections by category and subcategory, making it easy to find what you are looking for |
Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles
Updated 2019
Warman’s is another well-known guide that provides in-depth information on various antique and collectible items. The guide includes detailed descriptions and photographs to help you accurately identify and value your pieces. It is updated often and includes market trends and expert advice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ The table of contents is easy to navigate and functions like an index, making it simple to find the information you need quickly and efficiently. | ✕ The last edition of the book was released in 2019, so the information may not be entirely up to date. |
| ✓ Written by a renowned expert in the field, offering valuable insights and advice on authenticating and valuing items | ✕ The introductions in the book are long-winded and may not be as comprehensive as other price guides, making it better suited for educational purposes rather than quick reference. |
| ✓ The book includes a directory of auction houses, providing valuable resources for those looking to buy or sell antiques and collectibles. |
Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide
Updated 2019
This guide offers a broad range of pricing information for antiques and collectibles, from advertising and folk art to pottery and glassware. It also includes expert advice and market trends to help you appraise your collections accurately.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Features over 4,000 photographs of antique and collectible items, making identification and valuing easy and accurate | ✕ The last release date was in 2019, so the information may not be entirely up to date |
| ✓ Includes specialized sections for specific collecting interests such as vintage advertising, folk art, and military memorabilia. | ✕ Some users may find the coverage of certain categories limited compared to other guide books |
| ✓ Offers an easy-to-use format and organization, with cross-referencing and a detailed index that makes it easy to find the information you need quickly. |