Stephen King 'IT' First Edition Hardcover (Viking Press)
Viking Press / Penguin Group · Books & Media > Hardcover Fiction
Era / Decade
1980s (Specifically published September 1986)
Material
Hardback book with paper pages, cloth/paper binding, and a glossy paper dust jacket.
Condition
Good. The dust jacket shows visible edge wear, shelf rubbing, and minor creasing at the top. The spine appears slightly cocked. Without seeing the copyright page, internal foxing or notes cannot be ruled out.
Demand Level
Strong. Stephen King collectors are a constant market, and 'IT' is considered one of his 'Big Three' most desirable titles.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$40 - $150 (Significant range depends entirely on 'First Edition' vs. 'First Printing' status).
Estimated Retail Value
$22.95 (Original 1986 price); Modern comparable high-quality hardcovers retail for $30-$35.
Comparable Sales
True 1st/1st copies in excellent condition sell for $150-$250. Later printings of the 1st edition in this condition typically sell for $40-$75. Book Club Editions (no price on flap) sell for $15-$30.
Description
A classic horror masterpiece, this is the original Viking Press hardcover edition of Stephen King's 'IT'. Featuring the iconic dust jacket art of the paper boat and the sewer grate. This 1,138-page epic is a cornerstone for any horror collection or King completist.
Key Features
Original 1986 cover art; high demand for King first editions; massive pop-culture relevance due to recent films; iconic 'Viking' logo on spine.
Authenticity Indicators
Confidence: High. Check the copyright page for 'First published in 1986 by Viking Penguin Inc' and the sequence '1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2'. The dust jacket must have the $22.95 price; if missing, it is a book club edition worth significantly less ($15-$25).
Flaws to Note
Moderate shelf wear on the dust jacket edges; minor scuffing on the black cover surface; potential price-clipping (not visible in photo); spine leaning.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching book collectors), Etsy (if confirmed vintage), or ABEBooks. Use Facebook Marketplace for a quick local sale with no fees.
Selling Tips
Photograph the copyright page and the top right corner of the front dust jacket flap (showing the price) to prove it is not a Book Club Edition. Ship via USPS Media Mail in a sturdy box—never a poly mailer—to prevent further corner damage.