Basically the title. They sent me the photos, they found them when clearing out parents house. Said books are used but the game is unused
A lot of people would buy these simply to have in their collections.
this post was submitted on 19 Jul 2025
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I'd consider buying these just to have them in my collection, but it would just be a fun read and collector's-item/museum-piece-kind-of-thing. Not sure I'd ever play them or read them more than once.
Worth more than most copies you find online because the box looks in nice condition, but not especially valuable. They printed a ton of copies of that edition, it was very popular in the 80s.
Maybe consider playing it? I really like the way the Basic Set plays. Very different from the modern game.
While not hugely valuable like comic books, they are more valuable today than they ever have been due to the TTRPG resurgance. I'm sure they'll ebay pretty quick. There are collectible guides out there that can help more, just be aware that the wear will reduce the value
Nice finds, that Red Box edition was the early one they revamped. Has some interesting mechanics that were never used anywhere else like non-Vancian magic options and a 34 lvl cap. Feels VERY different from Red Box standard
Give them to a nerd that will appreciate & keep them.
A good way to find out is to look it up on eBay. Someone's probably selling one right now. See what that's going for, and jot down any details they mention on the listing. If their listing mentions a year, edition, or other clarifying detail, check to make sure yours matches theirs, and if not, just keep record of which version yours is.
Then go to the Google. Ask it how much you can get for "your version". If there's a market for it, it should point you on the right direction.
When checking eBay always check completed auctions. I recently acquired some 1st and 2nd edition d&d books for my shop. I was going to put them out on the shelves. There was a copy of one of the books listed at $250+/- but I switched to completed listings and for the last 6 months they averaged about $46.
I wouldn't think any of those are particularly valuable, but nice to have sure.
I have a couple of the same first edition d&d books: My dad's from when he ran a campaign for us when I was seven years old. So glad I have 'em still. I run a biweekly campaign with my dad, aunt, uncle, and cousin's husband. (And also play in one run by said cousin's husband, same group.)
That same edition, too?
Yup.
I don't know but I don't think that box set was available past the 80's and its an easy thing to become in poor shape even if someone did keep it around so I would not be surprised if it was worth something.