God Emperor of Dune
A first US edition, first printing of God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1981) is worth about $74 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $1,113 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Copyright page: “Copyright © 1981 by Frank Herbert”, the Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data and ISBN 0-399-12593-0, with no impression line above “Printed in the United States of America”.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$74
Valued from 19 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed | Bookplate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $84 | $1,113 | $1,012 | $634 |
| Near fine | $74 | $968 | $880 | $552 |
| Very good | $64 | $823 | $748 | $480 |
| Good | $54 | $697 | $634 | $408 |
| Fair | $45 | $581 | $528 | $336 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of God Emperor of Dune.
✓ Copyright page: “Copyright © 1981 by Frank Herbert”, the Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data and ISBN 0-399-12593-0, with no impression line above “Printed in the United States of America”
✓ Price: $12.95 at the top of the front flap (unclipped); later impressions kept it, so the price alone doesn't prove a first
✓ Dust jacket: sphinx-like figure in the desert, illustration by Brad Holland, “Putnam” at the foot of the spine
✓ Binding: grey paper boards, black cloth spine lettered in gilt
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of God Emperor of Dune is a first US edition, first printing?
- ✓ Copyright page: “Copyright © 1981 by Frank Herbert”, the Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data and ISBN 0-399-12593-0, with no impression line above “Printed in the United States of America” ✓ Price: $12.95 at the top of the front flap (unclipped); later impressions kept it, so the price alone doesn't prove a first ✓ Dust jacket: sphinx-like figure in the desert, illustration by Brad Holland, “Putnam”… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first US edition, first printing of God Emperor of Dune worth?
- $45–$84 unsigned, up to $1,113 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 US edition, first printing of God Emperor of Dune worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Frank Herbert is valued at about $968, against $74 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of God Emperor of Dune?
- 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 Frank Herbert
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