The Very Hungry Caterpillar First Edition
A first edition, first printing of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (World Publishing, 1969) is worth about $8,832 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Published by The World Publishing Company … Printed in Japan”, with the full number line 1 2 3 4 5 73 72 71 70 69.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$8,832
Valued from 1 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $10,157 |
| Near fine | $8,832 |
| Very good | $7,507 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
✓ Copyright page: “Published by The World Publishing Company … Printed in Japan”, with the full number line 1 2 3 4 5 73 72 71 70 69
✓ Title page: The World Publishing Company · New York and Cleveland at the foot
✓ Rear board: A3450 printed at the lower right corner
✓ Spine: World at the foot of the pictorial boards
✓ Price: $3.95 on the front flap (unclipped)
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “Published by The World Publishing Company … Printed in Japan”, with the full number line 1 2 3 4 5 73 72 71 70 69 ✓ Title page: The World Publishing Company · New York and Cleveland at the foot ✓ Rear board: A3450 printed at the lower right corner ✓ Spine: World at the foot of the pictorial boards ✓ Price: $3.95 on the front flap (unclipped) The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of The Very Hungry Caterpillar worth?
- $7,507–$10,157 unsigned, depending on condition and whether it is signed (values as of November 2026). Values come from recorded sales of this exact printing, not asking prices.
- Can I sell my copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar?
- 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.