Cf. L. valet quantum vendi potest, it is worth as much as it can be sold for; 15th-cent. Fr. tant vault la chose comme elle peut estre vendue, a thing is worth just so much as it can be sold for.
The thinge is so muche worthy as it maye be solde for.
[1569 J. Sanforde tr. H. C. Agrippa's Vanity of Arts & Sciences xci.]
For what is Worth in any thing, But so much Money as 'twill bring?
[1664 S. Butler Hudibras ii. i.]
Vouchers, he found in that country were no check whatever; the principle was, that ‘a thing was always worth what it would bring’.
[1813 Southey Life of Nelson I. ii.]
The worth of a thing is what it will bring.
[1847 J. O. Halliwell Dict. II. 864]
‘The real worth of anything Is just as much as it will bring’. You cannot get beyond that piece of ancient wisdom as to the determination of value.
[1908 Spectator 4 Apr. 535]
Related to: buying and selling; value
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
