This is going to be hard to hear and you're not going to like it:
It's worth nothing.
The value of an encyclopedia is that it presents you with facts about the world. An old encyclopedia presents you with facts about the world as it existed/was understood when it was published. Hopefully you can see why fewer people are interested in the latter.
Some of it's still true, of course. The problem is that unless you're already an expert in the field (and if you are, why are you bothering to look it up?) you can't really know what's true and what scientists today are pointing at and laughing about.
There could, I suppose, be some sentimental value in having a set from the year you were born (or graduated, or got married, or some other event). But it's not going to be much; $20 is probably way too optimistic a price.
A lot of times people will donate encyclopedias to libraries (under the mistaken impression that a library has a use for information half a century out of date). The library then turns around and sells these in library sales, usually for a few bucks for the set.
(The same is true of those 1980s National Geographic magazines you've been holding on to, by the way.)
The value of a set of Encyclopedia Americana from 1856 can vary depending on the condition, completeness, and demand among collectors. Generally, a full set in good condition can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars at auction or through rare book dealers.
Encyclopedia Americana was created in 1902.
The value of a set of Americana Encyclopedia from 1989 can vary depending on its condition, completeness, and demand. Generally, you can expect to find them priced between $50 to $150. It's best to check online marketplaces or antique bookstores for more specific pricing information.
The value of a complete set of Encyclopedia Americana from 1904-1905 can vary depending on the condition of the books, the market demand for historical encyclopedias, and any unique features or additions to the set. Generally, these antique encyclopedias could be valued anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars. Consider reaching out to antique book dealers or appraisers for a more accurate assessment.
The value of a set of 1943 Encyclopedia Americana can vary depending on factors such as condition, completeness, and demand among collectors. Generally, you might expect to see prices ranging from $50 to $200 for a full set in good condition. It's a good idea to research similar listings and consult with antique book dealers to get a more accurate estimate.
The Britannica has the reputation of being one of the most well-researched and written encyclopedias of the era when encyclopedias weren't online wikis. The Americana, although not a poor reference, is certainly a lesser work. Although the Americana does have a slant towards coverage of American topics, it actually is no more biased than any other American encyclopedia of its day.
Old encyclopedia sets are worth approximately nothing (unless they're very old ... say, from the 18th century). If someone will take them away and not charge you for it, you're probably getting the better end of the deal.
Encyclopedia Americana is a general knowledge English-language encyclopedia published in the United States from 1829 to 2006. It covers a wide range of topics and is considered a valuable resource for academic and general research purposes.
I too would like to know the answer to this question! Some how I have inherited a set from my family and it just sits there in boxes in my garage!
$160
Old encyclopedia sets are worth approximately nothing (unless they're very old ... say, from the 18th century). If someone will take them away and not charge you for it, you're probably getting the better end of the deal.
A general set of encyclopedias is commonly referred to as a "general encyclopedia." One of the most well-known examples is the "Encyclopædia Britannica," which covers a wide range of topics across various fields of knowledge. Other popular general encyclopedias include "World Book Encyclopedia" and "Encyclopedia Americana." These resources aim to provide comprehensive information and serve as reference materials for educational purposes.