Kon-Tiki First Edition
A first US edition, first printing of Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl (Rand McNally, 1950) is worth about $43 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Copyright 1950 by Thor Heyerdahl” with the code letter “A” alone on the line below it.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$43
Valued from 5 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $50 |
| Near fine | $43 |
| Very good | $38 |
| Good | $38 |
| Fair | $31 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Kon-Tiki.
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright 1950 by Thor Heyerdahl” with the code letter “A” alone on the line below it
✓ Title page: Rand McNally & Company · Chicago · New York · San Francisco, translated by F. H. Lyon
✓ Dust jacket: raft in a storm, “Six men cross the Pacific on a raft” at the top, “With eighty photographs of the voyage” at the foot
✓ Price: $4.00 on the jacket (unclipped)
✓ Binding: blue cloth, Tiki mask blind-stamped on the front board, spine lettered in gilt
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Kon-Tiki is a first US edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright 1950 by Thor Heyerdahl” with the code letter “A” alone on the line below it ✓ Title page: Rand McNally & Company · Chicago · New York · San Francisco, translated by F. H. Lyon ✓ Dust jacket: raft in a storm, “Six men cross the Pacific on a raft” at the top, “With eighty photographs of the voyage” at the foot ✓ Price: $4.00 on the jacket (unclipped) ✓ Binding: blue cloth, Tiki mask… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first US edition, first printing of Kon-Tiki worth?
- $31–$50 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 Kon-Tiki?
- 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.