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How to Rate an Old National Geographic Condition

Old National Geographic magazines contain fascinating photographs and maps, but issues can pile up quickly. If you want to clear up space in your home library, you might want to consider selling these old magazines. Most issues printed after 1914 aren't very valuable; the National Geographic store sells them for $6 to $40. Earlier issues, however, are extremely valuable: The first issue of National Geographic, published in October of 1888, is valued at more $7,300. Other issues printed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries are valued at hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect your magazine to make sure it has all of the materials bound with the original copy, such as maps. If there are detached pages or cut outs, the copy automatically receives a fair grade, at best. The issues are considered poor if there are missing pages and covers.
- 2
  Check the spine and cover of your magazine. A tightly bound spine with a bright cover and no mailing label receives a grade of mint or near mint.
- 3
  Check your magazine for soiling, tears and creasing. If there is a mailing label and/or a slight bit of wear, such as a curled spine but no soiling or tears, your copy is in excellent condition. Slight soiling, tears or creases reduces the condition down to good or very good.

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