The Phantom of the Opera First Edition
A first edition, first printing of The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Bobbs-Merrill, 1911 · no dust jacket) is worth about $1,503 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: printer's imprint “Press of Braunworth & Co. Bookbinders and Printers Brooklyn, N. Y.” at the foot.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$1,503
Valued from 6 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $1,729 |
| Near fine | $1,503 |
| Very good | $1,307 |
| Good | $1,307 |
| Fair | $1,072 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Phantom of the Opera.
✓ Copyright page: printer's imprint “Press of Braunworth & Co. Bookbinders and Printers Brooklyn, N. Y.” at the foot
✓ Title page: Indianapolis, The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1911
✓ Illustrations: five colour plates by André Castaigne (one single-page, four double-page), with tissue guard
✓ Binding: brick-red cloth stamped in white, title in a ruled panel and the Phantom figure in blind on the front board, “Bobbs-Merrill” at the foot of the spine; no dust jacket (the original jacket is a separate edition)
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Phantom of the Opera is a first edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: printer's imprint “Press of Braunworth & Co. Bookbinders and Printers Brooklyn, N. Y.” at the foot ✓ Title page: Indianapolis, The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1911 ✓ Illustrations: five colour plates by André Castaigne (one single-page, four double-page), with tissue guard ✓ Binding: brick-red cloth stamped in white, title in a ruled panel and the Phantom figure in blind on the front board… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first printing of The Phantom of the Opera worth?
- $1,072–$1,729 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 Phantom of the Opera?
- 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.