10 Books That Have Sold for Serious Money on eBay (Recently)

Some of the biggest eBay book results aren’t signed, one-of-a-kind treasures. They’re recognisable titles that people genuinely might have on their shelves. Below are ten real auction sales (sold listings) that drew plenty of bidding and finished at surprisingly high NZD amounts.

A quick reality check for New Zealand sellers. We usually can’t command these kinds of prices locally, because our buyer pool is smaller. Also, many of the sales below were made by highly trusted sellers with hundreds or thousands of completed sales and strong feedback. A one-off private seller may not achieve the same result, even with the same book.

My process: I only look at eBay sold listings, and I only pay attention to auctions with lots of bids. I’ve also avoided examples that rely on signatures or unusually unique features. The idea here is books you might realistically already own.

Australia, 2017 10 Coin set (Planetary Coins, Coloured), in Pop Up Book for NZD 4,530.61 (auction on eBay).
This shows that collectible does not always mean old. Cross-collecting, coins, premium packaging, and book format can drive intense bidding when the set is complete.

Tolkien, The Hobbit, 1954 Sixth Impression, Allen & Unwin, Mint Condition for NZD 4,660.12 (auction on eBay).
Tolkien demand is global and consistent. Even later impressions can sell strongly when condition and edition details line up.

Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe, First Edition (1958) for NZD 4,671.68 (auction on eBay).
A major modern classic with international academic and collector demand. True first editions are now firmly established as collectables.

22 Cells in Nuremberg, Douglas M. Kelley (1947) for NZD 4,155.24 (auction on eBay).
Strong crossover appeal across history, psychology, and WWII collecting helped push competitive bidding.

Blood Meridian, Cormac McCarthy, First Edition, First Printing (1985) for NZD 4,013.02 (auction on eBay).
McCarthy’s reputation continues to rise, and confirmed first printings are becoming increasingly scarce.

Gone With The Wind, Margaret Mitchell, First Edition (May 1936) for NZD 3,689.17 (auction on eBay).
A cultural heavyweight where early editions continue to attract strong international demand.

Carrie, Stephen King, First Edition, First Printing (1974), Doubleday for NZD 3,469.84 (auction on eBay).
King’s debut novel remains a cornerstone title for modern horror collectors.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams for NZD 1,850.17 (auction on eBay).
Once common, early collectible editions now attract strong bidding from global buyers.

Alcoholics Anonymous, First Edition, Second Printing for NZD 1,842.02 (auction on eBay).
Worldwide demand and deep cultural significance continue to drive prices for early printings.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum, First Edition, Second State (1900) for NZD 1,758.45 (auction on eBay).
Iconic children’s literature remains highly collectible, even when copies show age and wear.

These examples are not promises. They show what real bidders have paid in competitive auctions. If you are selling from New Zealand, use sold listings as your guide, stay realistic, and remember that seller reputation, presentation, and buyer reach all affect the final price.