Foundations of Economic Analysis
A first edition, first printing of Foundations of Economic Analysis by Paul A. Samuelson (Harvard University Press, 1947) is worth about $4,416 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $8,384 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: “Cambridge / Harvard University Press / 1947” at the foot.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$4,416
Valued from 1 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near fine | $4,416 | $8,384 | $8,384 |
| Very good | $3,754 | $7,125 | $7,125 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Foundations of Economic Analysis.
✓ Title page: “Cambridge / Harvard University Press / 1947” at the foot
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1947 / by the President and Fellows of Harvard College” at the top and “Printed in the United States of America / by Lancaster Press, Inc., Lancaster, Pa.” at the foot, with no printing line
✓ Binding: red (crimson) cloth, spine lettered in gilt, covers panelled in blind
✓ Collation: xii, 447 pp.
✓ Dust jacket: cream, title in red capitals, author in red italic, red horizontal rules, “Harvard Economic Studies No. 80” at the foot
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Foundations of Economic Analysis is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Title page: “Cambridge / Harvard University Press / 1947” at the foot ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright, 1947 / by the President and Fellows of Harvard College” at the top and “Printed in the United States of America / by Lancaster Press, Inc., Lancaster, Pa.” at the foot, with no printing line ✓ Binding: red (crimson) cloth, spine lettered in gilt, covers panelled in blind ✓ Collation: xii, 447 pp. ✓ Dust jacket… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of Foundations of Economic Analysis worth?
- $3,754–$4,416 unsigned, up to $8,384 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 Foundations of Economic Analysis worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Paul A. Samuelson is valued at about $8,384, against $4,416 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of Foundations of Economic Analysis?
- 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.