How Much Is My Antique Worth? A Step-by-Step Guide
Find out what your antique is worth: identify it, check marks and condition, compare sold prices and know when to call an appraiser. A clear 7-step method.
By Ayoub Farid · · 4 min read
Almost everyone has one: a vase from a grandparent, a chair from a house clearance, a coin that turned up in a drawer. And sooner or later the same question comes up — how much is it actually worth?
The honest answer is "it depends", but not in a vague way. Antique value comes down to a handful of factors you can check yourself. This guide walks through the method dealers and appraisers use, in the order they use it.
Step 1: Identify what the object is
You can't value something until you know what it is. "Old blue and white vase" could be a $20 decorative piece or a 19th-century export jar worth far more.
Start by writing down the basics:
- Type of object (vase, side chair, pocket watch, brooch)
- Material (porcelain, earthenware, sterling silver, silver plate, walnut, oak, brass)
- Size (height, width, diameter)
- Any writing, numbers or symbols anywhere on it
A photo-based antique identifier app can speed this up: it recognizes the object, suggests a category, era and materials, and gives you search terms to research further. See how to identify antiques by picture for tips on getting a good result.
Step 2: Look for marks and signatures
Marks are the single most useful clue. Turn the piece over, open drawers, check the back of frames and the inside of lids.
- Pottery and porcelain often carry a backstamp — see our pottery marks guide.
- Silver usually has hallmarks that reveal purity, maker and sometimes year — see the silver hallmarks guide.
- Furniture may have a maker's label, stamp or paper tag inside a drawer.
- Jewelry often has purity stamps like 14K, 585 or 925.
No mark doesn't mean no value, but a clear mark makes identification and valuation far more reliable.
Step 3: Estimate the age
Age matters, but less than people expect. Something becomes an "antique" at around 100 years old, yet plenty of 150-year-old items sell for very little, and some 1960s pieces sell for a lot.
Clues to age include construction (hand-cut dovetails vs. machine-cut), wear patterns, screws and nails, the style of the decoration and the wording of marks ("Made in England" generally appears on later pieces). Our guide on how to date antiques goes through these in detail.
Step 4: Assess condition honestly
Condition is where many valuations fall apart. Collectors pay a premium for original, undamaged pieces. Check for:
- Chips, cracks, hairlines and old glue repairs
- Replaced parts (handles, feet, hardware, movements)
- Refinishing on furniture, polishing wear on silver
- Fading, foxing and tears on paper and textiles
A crack in a porcelain vase can cut its value by half or more. Don't try to fix damage before valuing: amateur repairs and refinishing usually lower value further.
Step 5: Compare sold prices, not asking prices
This is the step most people skip. Asking prices on marketplaces tell you what sellers hope to get. Sold prices tell you what buyers actually paid.
Good sources:
- Completed/sold listings on eBay
- Auction house archives and past results
- Price databases such as WorthPoint
- Dealer sale records at antique fairs
Find three to five items that match yours in type, maker, size and condition. The middle of that range is a realistic estimate.
Step 6: Consider demand and the market
Two identical items can sell for different amounts depending on where and when. Tastes change: heavy "brown furniture" and full china sets have fallen in value, while mid-century modern, quality jewelry and good art pottery stay in demand. Read what antiques are worth money now for the current picture.
Step 7: Decide if you need a professional appraisal
If the comparable sales suggest a high value, or you need a figure for insurance, an estate or a donation, get a written appraisal from a qualified appraiser. Our guide to finding an antique appraiser explains the options and typical fees.
Try it on your own antique
If you want a fast first answer, AntiqueIQ does steps 1–3 in seconds: snap a photo and it identifies the item and returns an estimated value range, age, era, origin and materials, plus visual matches online so you can compare. Use it to decide which pieces are worth deeper research — and save each one to your collection as you go.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find out what my antique is worth for free?
Yes. Identify the item, look up sold prices for comparable pieces on auction archives and marketplaces, and use a free app scan as a starting point. Formal written appraisals usually cost money.
Does older always mean more valuable?
No. Rarity, maker, condition and current demand matter more than age alone. Many 19th-century items are common and inexpensive.
Should I clean my antique before valuing it?
Only a gentle dusting. Polishing, refinishing or repairing can lower value. Let a buyer or appraiser see it as it is.
How accurate are online antique value estimates?
They're useful ranges, not guarantees. Condition, authenticity and provenance can move the real price a lot, so treat any estimate as a starting point.