Are old Playboy magazines worth anything?

Playboy magazines from the 1950s and 1960s can indeed be valuable, especially if they are in like new condition. The value of these magazines varies widely depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and specific issues. For example, the first issue of Playboy and the issue featuring Betty Page on the cover (1954) are particularly valuable. Special issues, complete collections, and autographed copies also tend to have higher value.

A Common Misconception

Some might assume that because Playboy was once a popular and provocative magazine, older issues would hold significant value today.

The Bad News

They don’t have any collector value for the most part—with the exception of the very first issue. Even in pristine, "like new" condition, modern Playboy magazines have little, if any, market value. Why? Playboy quickly became one of the best selling magazines in America. This means they are extremely common. Only the early issues from 1954 and 1955 (and of course the first issue in December 1953) have any significant value. Large lots of 1960s, 70s, and up can be purchased on eBay for less than a buck a piece.

History of Playboy

Hugh Hefner was working as a promotion copywriter at Esquire magazine in Chicago when the magazine decided to move its offices to New York. Hefner decided to stay behind and start a magazine of his own. The first issue of Playboy magazine was published in December 1953. It featured Marilyn Monroe on the cover and included a “Sweetheart of the Month” color nude photo inside. The magazine sold more than 50,000 copies

If you have any early Playboy magazines, especially from the 1950s, they could be valuable collectibles. A volume 1 #1 from 1953 in mint condition is worth many thousands of dollars. It's worth getting them appraised to determine their exact value.

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