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How to Tell the Value of Marbles

If you decide to become a collector of marbles, it is important to understand the value of the marbles you have. There are four categories of marbles: handmade glass marbles, handmade nonglass marbles, machine-made marbles and contemporary handmade marbles. You can evaluate each of these by using simple tools and following guidelines set down by the Marble Collector's Society of America. Evaluations are subjective, however, and a marble's value varies according to the demand for the marble in question.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass
Ruler with 1/16 divisions

Instructions

- 1
  
  The better the condition of the marble, the higher the probable value.
  
  Examine the marble with the magnifying glass. Look for marks, or subsurface moons, chips, flakes or bruises. Look also for the core of the marble. The value of the marble can increase with fewer marks and the ease with which the core is visible.
- 2
  
  Generally, the larger marbles are more valuable.
  
  Measure the diameter of the marble to the nearest 1/16 inch, using the ruler. Machine-made marbles are usually between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. Handmade marbles will not be more than 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The larger ones are more rare, and so will be more valuable if there are collectors interested in them.
- 3
  
  Brightness and design can help increase the value of a marble.
  
  Magnify each marble and look for brightness of color and symmetry of design. Collectors pay higher prices for bright marbles with an intricate, symmetrical design.

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