Yahoo! Finance
reports
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Previously read copies of Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling are boosting sales for the secondhand book market and helping small, used book sellers profit from Pottermania, reports Abebooks.com, the world's largest online marketplace for used, rare and out-of-print books.
"Sales for used copies of Harry Potter books rose 300% in June," reports Marci Crossan, Abebooks spokesperson. "Our booksellers tell us people want the whole series and are scooping up used copies online. Even the new book -- 'The Order of the Phoenix' -- is available used at Abebooks.com, as are rare signed editions, versions in Latin, Spanish, large print, and audiobook."
This is positive news for collectors and people with signed Rowling books. Signed first editions are selling for between $200 and $1.2 million on Abebooks.com.
Many booksellers believe prices will rise. Doug Phillips, at Printers Row Fine & Rare Books in Chicago has advice for anyone with a signed copy: "Hang on tight! Prices will appreciate for books like 'The Philosopher's Stone' which only had 350 US hardback first editions printed. We call that 'a collection breaker.' Any Potter enthusiast wants the first book and there's only going to be 350 lucky people who get it."
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Reader Comments (9) 
Your Thoughts
Prefect
Points: 361
LaDonna says:
I have some first-edition signed, but they're not going anywhere. I found some first editions at a used book store back in 1998 and snatched them up quicker then you can say Quidditch. (Of course they only wanted $10 a pop for them)
Posted Jul 18, 2003 at 2:58 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1012
Imperio says:
Another good side of this is that people who might not have been able to afford the book full price will be able to enjoy HP for less!
Posted Jul 18, 2003 at 4:22 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 463
Madam Hooch says:
That was to be expected, but there's one thing I don't understand... I would never want to sell a signed book! I'd keep it for myself even if I've read it a thousand times already. Anyway, it's good for those who don't have signed books (like myself!), but I still don't understand it
Posted Jul 18, 2003 at 4:45 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1783
Juno Puddifoot says:
Wow! Lucky you LaDonna, well done!
Posted Jul 18, 2003 at 9:13 PM EST
Points: 245
Tonks510 says:
Wow can we trade LaDonna. My old really beat up version for your really nice version. :)
Posted Jul 19, 2003 at 10:22 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1065
Lerah99 says:
1.2Million for a rare signed copy!!!! Ok folks, you all know I LOVE all things Harry Potter, but that is a little much!
Posted Jul 20, 2003 at 11:43 AM EST
Points: 351
Imelda Moonshine says:
I don't know why signed first edition books should eb so expensive!Especially when the authors still alive (thank god!)Its the content of the book thats special!
Posted Jul 22, 2003 at 4:16 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2303
padfoot5312 says:
Anneline - yes, can't understand why they sold their books. I've re-read them a couple of times and will again
Posted Jul 24, 2003 at 12:46 AM EST
Mediwitch
Points: 2608
nickyole1 says:
Interesting! Harry Potter seems to be helping out many industries of the world, not just places that sell new books and movies!
Posted Jul 27, 2004 at 12:49 PM EST