Cryptonomicon
A first edition, first printing of Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson (Avon Books, 1999) is worth about $33 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $582 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “FIRST EDITION” stated above the number line, under “First Avon Books Printing: May 1999”.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$33
Valued from 12 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed | Bookplate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $38 | $582 | $524 | $349 |
| Near fine | $33 | $506 | $456 | $304 |
| Very good | $29 | $430 | $387 | $258 |
| Good | $25 | $365 | $328 | $219 |
| Fair | $20 | $304 | $273 | $182 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Cryptonomicon.
✓ Copyright page: “FIRST EDITION” stated above the number line, under “First Avon Books Printing: May 1999”
✓ Number line: QPM 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (down to 1)
✓ Dust jacket: black, “NEAL STEPHENSON” in grey at the top, chalk-drawn crosses, “CRYPTONOMICON” in gold at the foot; Avon Books logo at the foot of the spine
✓ Price: U.S. 7.50 on the front flap (unclipped); later printings kept it, so the price alone doesn’t prove a first
✓ Binding: black boards, spine lettered in gilt
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Cryptonomicon is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “FIRST EDITION” stated above the number line, under “First Avon Books Printing: May 1999” ✓ Number line: QPM 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (down to 1) ✓ Dust jacket: black, “NEAL STEPHENSON” in grey at the top, chalk-drawn crosses, “CRYPTONOMICON” in gold at the foot; Avon Books logo at the foot of the spine ✓ Price: U.S. 7.50 on the front flap (unclipped); later printings kept it, so the price alone doesn’t… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of Cryptonomicon worth?
- $20–$38 unsigned, up to $582 signed, depending on condition and whether it is signed (values as of October 2026). Values come from recorded sales of this exact printing, not asking prices.
- Is a signed first edition, first printing of Cryptonomicon worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Neal Stephenson is valued at about $506, against $33 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of Cryptonomicon?
- Yes. We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation to sell.
Selling a copy?
We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation. Get an offer.
More by Neal Stephenson
- Snow Crash — Neal Stephenson · First edition, first printing · hardcover issue · $3,393