The Maltese Falcon First Edition
A first edition, first printing · first-state jacket of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett (Alfred A. Knopf, 1930 · first-state dust jacket) is worth about $47,047 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $140,875 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Copyright 1929, 1930 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.” with no later-printing line beneath it.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$47,047
Valued from 2 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near fine | $47,047 | $140,875 | $140,875 |
| Very good | $39,990 | $119,743 | $119,743 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Maltese Falcon.
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright 1929, 1930 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.” with no later-printing line beneath it
✓ Title page: “New York · Alfred · A · Knopf · London”, dated 1930
✓ Dust jacket: yellow, black falcon; first state with a plot summary on the front flap
✓ Price: $2.00 on the front flap (unclipped)
✓ Binding: grey cloth, black falcon on the front board, “Knopf New York” at the foot of the spine
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Maltese Falcon is a first edition, first printing · first-state jacket?
- ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright 1929, 1930 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.” with no later-printing line beneath it ✓ Title page: “New York · Alfred · A · Knopf · London”, dated 1930 ✓ Dust jacket: yellow, black falcon; first state with a plot summary on the front flap ✓ Price: $2.00 on the front flap (unclipped) ✓ Binding: grey cloth, black falcon on the front board, “Knopf New York” at the foot of the spine The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing · first-state jacket of The Maltese Falcon worth?
- $39,990–$47,047 unsigned, up to $140,875 signed, 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.
- Is a signed first edition, first printing · first-state jacket of The Maltese Falcon worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Dashiell Hammett is valued at about $140,875, against $47,047 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of The Maltese Falcon?
- 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 Dashiell Hammett
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