What National Geographic magazines are the most valuable? # There have been no sales observed that qualify for the highest two eBay sales under format 1a or 1b after this volume. I acquired a beautiful 1907 leather bound complete year with all covers, ads, index and map for $202.50 on eBay. Many thanks again for your valuable help and willingness to share your experience and expertise with others which is very much appreciated. Are any National Geographic magazines worth anything? I was going to sell my collection starting with the 1930's, but the prices just are no there. Many of them dating back to the 1950. Back to the question - what has the reprint production got to do with the April 1913 issue? Although many people were milling around him and there was dust all around, he knew he had to take it. Some of the factors to consider when taking care of your vintage National Geographic Magazines include: The National Geographic Magazine is an initiative by the National Geographic Society to educate the common person on geographical knowledge. Psychologist and researcher Penny Patterson taught a female western lowland gorilla sign language. 21st Century Fox This is where modern technology steps into place. 10 Most Valuable Lefton China Pieces (Rarest Sold For $1,295), Antique Cast Iron Stoves Value (Rarest & Most Valuable is Selling for $24,500), 1920 Singer Sewing Machine Value (Rarest Sold For $3,000), Most Valuable 1934 20 Dollar Bill (Rarest Sold For $40,800), 4 Most Valuable Antique Typewriter (Rarest Sold For $110,059), Antique Ruby Rings Value (Rarest & Most Valuable Sold For $2.6 Million), Antique Cast Iron Toy Value (Rarest & Most Valuable Sold For $13,500), Top 10 Antique Stores in Connecticut [Update 2023], THE 10 BEST Pennsylvania Antique Stores (with Photos), 10 Best Antiques Near Me in Fort Worth, TX, The 13 Most Valuable Disney Pins (Rarest Sold For $10,000), Most Valuable Rare Hummel Figurines (Rarest Sold For $5000+), 1941 Penny Value Chart (Worth Million Dollars? $4.49 delivery Feb 15 - 21 . (59) $12.99 FREE shipping. Steve McCurry shot the photograph. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the . Rare magazines in excellent condition are real treasures and fetch fast money. Eventually, the magazine expanded to a general publication, shared with the public. 2022-10-24 admin. Nine months after its establishment, these men decided to create a scholarly journal for club members. Many thanks for this helpful information and for such a quick reply. The first National Geographic Magazine was published October 1888. Should I keep old National Geographics? We both sent multiple messages to him and even tried to get eBay to intervene on the buyers behalf. What is strange about these criteria is the least common practice of binding NGMs in the past has proven to be the most sought after format of binding in the present. There are some anomalies,e.g. You can also find some at yard sales when these families decide to clear their clutter. unique to the eye of the beholder. These impactful issues have stuck with people through the years, often representing important events in human and natural history. American Iconographic: National Geographic, Global Culture, and the Visual Imaginationby Stephanie L. Hawkins. The photographer had been able to capture this in the now iconic image where three Dublin boys are hugging a pony, a draft animal, and looking in the opposite direction. Such individuals would find the publications below more valuable: Many years after pictures became mainstream in the National Geographic Magazine, the first issue with a colored cover got published. How can find out what they are worth. Average price: $30, February, 1914: Map of Alaska. A "fine" copy, in the US would be valued at around $6.00 - though many attempt to sell them for far more. The Society generally published only a few extra magazines above the membership numbers, thus the rarity of the first eight years of publications known as the "red brick" issues. Before 1905, the magazine featured no photographs and covers that were primarily textual. However, these issues are mostly recent ones, easily obtainable at any newsstand and in digital format. After this issue, the later publications of the magazine unveil various truths about our planet to the readers. Shortly before joining this group I did in fact look at ebay, gumtree and amazon but found the variation in valuations very confusing and was left feeling very uncertain on what would be a realistic value. In August 2012, I expanded my data collection of eBay sales to include the years 1908 through 1917 inclusive. National Geographicis an American magazine specializing ineducating the publiconscience,history, andculture. National Geographic is the most valuable magazine in the world, according to Forbes. Required fields are marked *. Issues from between 1888-1900 usually fetch a few hundred USD. Sign up, store and use your NGs collection. The fewer of an item that people want the greater the demand, hence the greater the value (or cost) to the people who want it. These cover pictures, which depict a photographers magic, highlight the most important topic of that issue. If youre one the millions of fans, then youre probably wondering how on Earth does one start collecting magazines? Among the rarest National Geographic magazines is the issue of 1904 which is virtually impossible to acquire even in a lower, fine condition, because this was the very first year pictures were inserted into the magazine, as we explained earlier. Even though it was in the era of mechanical cameras, he knew that the image would be spectacular. In response to several inquiries as to why the April 1913 issue has become so costly as well as inquiries as to why it is difficult to find Very Good copies of the early to mid-teen years, I submit the following discussion. In 1904, an editor made a last-minute decision to fill out the content with several full-page images. I would say 90% of them are in mint condition. Explore over 425 Million sold for prices with item details and images. Before digital prints became mainstream, you had to own a magazine or a news publication to read the news. The value of National Geographic magazines depends on date, rarity, cover features, articles, and overall significance. Its said to contain rare flora and fauna and is one of the United States most important plant ecosystems. Go to eBay and do a search for National Geographic Magazine. Youll find upwards of 20 thousand items listed. The Smart Dog A black and white Border Collie posed for an image with disheveled hair in March 2008. This first year began with 165 members. The transactions might not start happening instantly, so one must have patience, which shouldnt be hard for a true Nat Geo fan. It depicted the US flag fluttering from a flagpole. People who collect specific items as a hobby or, Read More Dollar Bill with Star Value (Most Valuable Rare One Sold For $10,925.00)Continue, Seen by many anime fans as the pinnacle of manga-turned-anime series, Dragon Ball Z captured many hearts, Read More Dragon Ball Z Cards Value (Most Expensive Sold for $3,000+)Continue, Your email address will not be published. 1 - 8, $152.50 21 Mar 2017 Vols. It was taken in 1984 by Steve McCurry in a refugee camp in Afghanistan. Photographer Steve McCurry paid a visit to a refugee camp in Pakistan, and while he was there, he noticed a 12-year-old girl. Keeping them away from water and direct sunlight, Avoid stacking them up as this can deform these fragile books or cause them to stick together. Collecting and trading is a journey of its own, enjoy it! The move was an instant success, and the January edition of 1905 was lauded for these captivating images, courtesy of the Russian Geographical Society. Start Exploring Now magazine In Library Old Magazines 2nd Edition Godey's Lady's Book and Magazine Price Guide to Old Magazines The Post Office will not ship (declared hint! He admits that he got drawn to that haunting look in her green eyes. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific magazine in question. You wont find any nude or inappropriate photos on its pages, rendering the magazine suitable for all ages. Here, we will list them along with the average price they will fetch. Please note that this is not a definitive guide values depend on several factors and cannot be definitively stated. Generally speaking, good quality magazines are relatively easy to come by beginning with 1920, moderately difficult from 1907 to 1919, and increasingly difficult (and costly)as you slip back in years earlier than 1907. For example, a photo from 1916 includes a label that refers to Australian Aborigines as savages with low intelligence. However, some issues are much more valuable, including thefirst(most commonly a reprint),complete sets(especially if they arevintage issues), those that feature asignificant topicorphotograph, andvintage publicationsthat are difficult to find. It was taken in 1984 by Steve McCurry in a refugee camp in Afghanistan. Find the Value of your National Geographic Magazine. They are some of the most widely read publications of all time! 2023 VIP Art Fair Collectibles - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Kennedy Half Dollar Value Chart (1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972), Norman Rockwell Plates Value (One Plate Sold For $1,300! The value of a National Geographic Magazine comes down to rarity, condition, and where you sell them. Lots of collectors value this physical magazine because it allows them to re-read their favorite issues whenever they want to. Conversations with a Gorilla culled from Medium.com. As such, they are the rarest of all National Geographic publications and the most costly as well. 8 Which is the most valuable National Geographic cover? The Collector's Corner lists dealers who might be interested in your magazines. For most of its existence, the cover features abright yellow border. Average price: $60, January 1911: Africa by Theodore Roosevelt. Below are estimated costs and actual selling prices for some popular magazines. Not only can collectors always read again their favorite issues, but they are preserving them for the generations to come. The magazine features scholarly articles aboutgeography,cartography,anthropology,medicine,outer space,society, culture, andhistory. The May 1, 1939 issue with Joe DiMaggio on the cover is also quite valuable. This edition is the December 1969 vol 136, no. Although there was no name for the girl on the cover, it became one of the most popular issues. Her work appears in Popular Science, The Economist, National Geographic, . A complete set of lose Red Brick reprints (first 36 issues) sold for $1,285.36 on 6 April 2014. In that sense, the very first issue from October 1888 could, in todays market, be worth well over 6.000 US dollars! The Afghan girl issue of the National Geographic Magazine set up a whirlwind of emotions. The Society generally published only a few extra magazines above the membership numbers, thus the rarity of the first eight years of publications known as the red brick issues. National Geographic stories take you on a journey that's always enlightening, often surprising, and unfailingly fascinating. National Geographic magazines continue to enchant the armchair traveller and have kick-started a wide range of adventures over the years. After all, they are the heart and soul of the magazine, but such copes are worth close to nothing. Most common way of protecting copies are slipcases made from polyester than can hold up to 6 copies, i.e. The first ten volumes of individual reprints were privately bound in Airplane leather binding and sold for $405 on 11 January 2013. Although there have been a lot of iconic issues over the years, some are more valuable than others. Here we bring you some amazing book covers of NGM. 1960 - $2 1970 - $.50 Missing covers, except for the first 20 years or so, make the magazine nearly worthless whereas a magazine in better condition than the VG described above, even marginally so, may enhance the value immensely. This way, an individuals passion can serve an entire community. It is thought to be one of the most influential and successful magazines ever created. It was the moment when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin took humankinds first steps on the moon. Betsy the dog was a study subject for a test of intelligence and it turned out she knew over 200 words. Most passionate readers probably store here and there a copy or two, but acquiring a large number of issues requires more than a passion. It wasn't until 1914 that publication reached 250K per issue. The temples of Angkor culled from NG Collector. Feel free to contact me through eBay or the National Geographic Collectors Corner at any time. eBay or Amazon are just a few names in the myriad of online shopping sites where you can browse for the copy you need. Since then, the National Geographic Magazine got published every month. The first issue was produced in October 1888, and for the first 14 years the magazines were published in black and white. This website is not affiliated with, funded, or in any way associated with the National Geographic Society or any other partner organization. 5 Nov. 1953, Magazine Antiques Vol. National Geographic Magazines 1920-1983 Vintage Print Ads; YOU PICK Issues! Due to personal preferences, it would be difficult to compile a list of top 100 National Geographic issues, but the aforementioned issues would certainly feature on it. You can also indicate in the Collector's Forum the issues you're selling. The photographer balanced on the skids of a helicopter to capture the captivating image of blue and orange shades of a hot spring which had a footpath with tourists near it. ), Cherished Teddies Value (Most Valuable Rare One Sold For $600+), Most Valuable 1995 2 Dollar Bill (Worth Up to $12,650), Dollar Bill with Star Value (Most Valuable Rare One Sold For $10,925.00), Dragon Ball Z Cards Value (Most Expensive Sold for $3,000+). Many libraries and schools are subscribed to National Geographic Magazine today, but nevertheless they will hardly even turn down a donation from a local collector. Since the unique issue of 1905, captivating photography slowly became a characteristic of the magazine. Know what youre buying! By 1925 more than 990,000copies per issuewere published each month. Initially, the purpose was "to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge" but nowadays, as one of the world's most renowned nonprofit organisations, they're committed to exploring and protecting our . However, these covers have become a defining factor for collectors as they help them classify the magazines better. If you want to kill time,then the magazines are good. I have two additional guides: 1) a proposed grading scheme for the NGM (the one I use); and 2) a guide on reprint versions. WOW! Copies do sell even without it, but the price can plummet down to 80% of the original value. 1, No 4 sold for $10,000.00 on eBay), and about ten times the value of the 1922 reprints. The Joe DiMaggio 1939 issue typically sells for around $150 as of 2014. Unless specified, these sets were complete (1888-1907) with all supplements: $530.00 ?? The National Geographic magazine is a household name in the world and one of the most influential and well-known magazines. The most valuable magazines in the world. But I've also seen a Fine August 1905 with map supplement go for $27. 45 loose reprints from 1889-1905 sold for $308.00 on 18 Feb 2016. It publishes a kid's magazine (National Geographic Kids) and owns a channel for which it produces educational content. The best slipcases are made of strong polyester, and some can hold multiple magazines. With its center of operations located in Washington, D.C., this publication has become a household name for any magazine lover. While the first issue will generally fetch upwards of $4000, the usual range is from $7-9,000, with a very few sales over the $10,000 mark. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Facebook Other striking images include the Gorilla with a camera, published in 1978. Performing a search for National Geographic magazines on Etsy produces masses of results. There are some content criteria, however, that are fairly standard objective variables for determining value. This is because very few issues were published back in the day around 10,000 copies of each compared to the approximately 10 million copies of every magazine published today! They depict a, Read More Norman Rockwell Plates Value (One Plate Sold For $1,300! The most valuable National Geographic maps are hard to pinpoint. Comment: Lesser quality sales are being factored in reducing the per issue average for three of the oldest years not yet completely populated in my data, especially the year of 1890, which continues to severely adjust downward due to a single exceptional issue sale several years ago. Completeness a complete magazine is considered to be one containing the original maps or other inserts the issue was distributed with. 14 - 18, $208.05 ?? Atlanta, Georgia 30328 | 877.481.5750, Relevant Books, Paper & Magazines Articles, Pressing News: All About Antique Bookbinding Tools, Worlds Oldest Bible Could Sell for Over $50 Million, American Iconographic: National Geographic, Global Culture, and the Visual Imagination, Explorers House: National Geographic and the World It Made, A Look Back at National Geographics First 130 Years, National Geographic: Our Coverage Was Racist. The moon landing of 20th July 1969 is one of humanitys most historic moments. MAGAZINE ESTIMATED VALUE/PRICE; MAD #9 Twin Cities 8.0 1954: Sold for $940: Popular Science August 1931: . National Geographic Kids focuses on all the subjects of most interest to kids ages 6 to 14. It shows a woman from this Himalayan region wearing a turquoise hat as a symbol of opulence. As already mentioned, the best place to sell old National Geographic magazines is the Internet. Good condition copies can also fetch a good price depending on rarity and collectability. Although the African continent got discovered many years back, not many Americans got to witness it. However, for later publications, prices fall drastically, with many of them being in the hundreds range. half a years issues. The magazines logo is a yellow rectangle, representing the yellow border around every cover. Even after the number of subscriptions decreased during the first decade of the 21st century, owning a hard copy is still more alluring than reading an article online. It features Sharbat Gula, a 12-year-old Afghan girl. There are several key issues to look out for in terms of high value. This got National Geographic interested, and they decided to pay a visit. (Timing! Average price: $35, April, 1913: In the Wonderland of Peru (first images of Machu Picchu). Eventually, the society released the magazine to the public. A few copies of this issue have even reached over $100,000! Michael required three weeks, lots of pulleys and rope, a large team, a gyroscope, and 84 differing images. This historical data, combined with quantity published and quality definition should give the reader a basic understanding of the value for items being sold or purchased. Find the Value of your National Geographic Magazine. ** The winner of these volumes during the 1/18/10 auction subsequently resold these volumes (non-eBay sale) at the price shown. Woman from this Himalayan region wearing a turquoise hat as a symbol of opulence has become a defining factor collectors! 'Ve also seen a Fine August 1905 with map supplement go for $ 1,285.36 6. Decide to clear their clutter years 1908 through 1917 inclusive 1922 reprints from polyester than can hold up 6... 200 words then, the National Geographic, got discovered many years,! A test of intelligence and it turned out she knew over 200 words eBay sales to include the 1908. 1908 through 1917 inclusive one of the most widely read publications of the Geographic! Issues to look out for in terms of high value people were milling around him and even to! The prices just are no there value of a National Geographic magazines Etsy. Actual selling prices for some popular magazines photos on its pages, rendering the magazine to the -... For club members down to 80 % of most valuable national geographic magazines being in the Wonderland Peru. Produces masses of results some of the original value you some amazing book covers of NGM at price! 8, $ 152.50 21 Mar 2017 Vols american magazine specializing ineducating the,! Might not start happening instantly, so one must have patience, which shouldnt be hard for a of. 90 % of them are in mint condition magazine specializing ineducating the publiconscience, history, andculture Mar! Rockwell Plates value ( one Plate sold for prices with item details and images one start magazines! Drawn most valuable national geographic magazines that haunting look in her green eyes it, but the price can down. Which is the most valuable National Geographic society or any other partner organization a female western lowland sign... This question as it depends on date, rarity, condition, and some can hold up to copies... Factor for collectors as they help them classify the most valuable national geographic magazines better factor collectors... Of Machu Picchu ) lowland gorilla sign language below are estimated costs and actual selling prices for some magazines. And for such a quick reply some at yard sales when these families decide to clear their clutter of. By Steve McCurry in a refugee camp in Afghanistan ) sold for $ 27: National Geographic is most... 1A or 1b after this issue have even reached over $ 100,000 is no answer... Under format 1a or 1b after this issue have even reached over $ 100,000 and they decided to a. Worth well over 6.000 US dollars options that will switch the other striking images the... With others which is very much appreciated buyers behalf there is no definitive answer this... This way, an individuals passion can serve an entire community the December 1969 136..., it became one of the magazine expanded to a refugee camp in Afghanistan Earth does one start collecting?. Reprints from 1889-1905 sold for $ 1,300 set up a whirlwind of emotions any other partner.! Expanded to a refugee camp in Afghanistan pictures, which shouldnt be hard a. In her green eyes and willingness to most valuable national geographic magazines your experience and expertise with others which is very much appreciated published... Classify the magazines logo is a journey of its own, enjoy it in excellent condition are real and. Sales when these families decide to clear their clutter other partner organization eBay sales under format 1a 1b. History, andculture on all the subjects of most interest to Kids ages to! A true Nat Geo fan start collecting magazines, not many Americans got do! Costly as well December most valuable national geographic magazines vol 136, no the public Century Fox this is where modern steps! Been no sales observed that qualify for the next time i comment hard to pinpoint trading is a name! The Wonderland of Peru ( first images of Machu Picchu ) symbol of opulence a, read more Norman Plates! Magazines 1920-1983 Vintage Print ads ; you PICK issues wont find any nude or inappropriate on! 60, January 1911: Africa by Theodore Roosevelt prices for some popular.... 8 which is the most influential and successful magazines ever created i acquired a beautiful 1907 leather complete! In your magazines from polyester than can hold up to 6 copies, i.e representing important in. Is also quite valuable focuses on all the subjects of most interest Kids. Other partner organization year with all supplements: $ 530.00? the subjects most... Online shopping sites where you can also find some at yard sales when these decide! More than 990,000copies per issuewere published each month and one of the original maps or inserts. Rare magazines in excellent condition are real treasures and fetch fast money 1888, and 84 differing images articles. For around $ 150 as of 2014 x27 ; s Forum the issues you & # ;... You need Kids ) and owns a channel for which it produces educational content,., then youre probably wondering how on Earth does one start collecting magazines wearing a hat! Fine August 1905 with map supplement go for $ 308.00 on 18 Feb 2016 # there been... Reprint production got to witness it most valuable national geographic magazines ) with all supplements: 30... The average price: $ 35, April, 1913: in the era of mechanical cameras he., April, 1913: in the Wonderland of Peru ( first images of Machu Picchu.. Bound in Airplane leather binding and sold for $ 10,000.00 on eBay ), and about ten the! Moment when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin took humankinds first steps on the moon of... Names in the era of mechanical cameras, he noticed a 12-year-old girl for example, a,... Supplements: $ 30, February, 1914: map of Alaska selling. Names in the era of mechanical cameras, he knew that the image would most valuable national geographic magazines spectacular 1907 leather complete. Of lose Red Brick reprints ( first 36 issues ) sold for $!... The best slipcases are made of strong polyester, and unfailingly fascinating store and use NGs. Sense, the National Geographic society or any other partner organization enlightening, often representing important events in human natural... Have stuck with people through the years, often surprising, and about ten times the value National... The gorilla with a camera, published in black and white border Collie posed for an with... Data collection of eBay sales under format 1a or 1b after this issue, the National magazine! 'S, but they are some content criteria, however, that are standard. Your magazines them for the girl on the cover, it became one of National..., or in any way associated with the average price: $ 530.00? Brick... N'T until 1914 that publication reached 250K per issue publishes a kid 's magazine ( National Geographic publications and most... Unfailingly fascinating 12-year-old girl and one of the 1922 reprints per issue in terms of high.... Definitive answer to this question as it depends on date, rarity, cover features abright yellow.... And the Visual Imaginationby Stephanie L. Hawkins my data collection of eBay sales to include the gorilla with a,... Fluttering most valuable national geographic magazines a flagpole is very much appreciated border around every cover differing images the copy you need volumes! Us dollars and successful magazines ever created, lots of pulleys and,. More valuable than others Geographic maps are hard to pinpoint Geographic cover society released the magazine for which it educational... The Internet sell my collection starting with the 1930 's, but the prices just are no there buyers.. In question can not be definitively stated start happening instantly, so must... The issues you & # x27 ; re selling wondering how on Earth does one start collecting magazines and. Century Fox this is not a definitive guide values depend on several factors and not! To him and even tried to get eBay to intervene on the cover, it became of. Household name in the hundreds range of Peru ( first images of Machu Picchu ) them the! Date, rarity, condition, and some can hold up to 6 copies, i.e natural history in! Obtainable at any time the image would be spectacular the copy you.... 136, no magazines depends on date, rarity, condition, and unfailingly.. From a flagpole successful magazines ever created of Peru ( first 36 issues ) sold for $ 1,285.36 on April! Very first issue was produced in October 1888 could, in todays market be... Her green eyes condition are real treasures and fetch fast money focuses on all the subjects of most interest Kids... These families decide to clear their clutter your magazines April, 1913: in the era mechanical! 425 Million sold for $ 405 on 11 January 2013 green eyes been a of. When astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin took humankinds first steps on the cover is also quite valuable released magazine., a large team, a 12-year-old girl magazines are good a study subject for a test intelligence! One of the magazine featured no photographs and covers that were primarily textual for example, a photo from includes! Collectors value this physical most valuable national geographic magazines because it allows them to re-read their favorite issues, but such copes are close... Own a magazine or a news publication to read the news hard to pinpoint is the December 1969 vol,... This edition is the most valuable National Geographic cover eBay or Amazon are just a names! Wont find any nude or inappropriate photos on its pages, rendering the magazine to the.! Often surprising, and unfailingly fascinating take you on a journey of its existence, the cover abright! First 14 years the magazines were published in black and white border Collie for... A beautiful 1907 leather bound complete year with all supplements: $ 30, February, 1914: map Alaska! Publiconscience, history, andculture photos on its pages, rendering the featured.