‘The Hobbit’ Receives Six-Figure Valuation in Utah Appraisal
A remarkable appraisal event is occurring in Salt Lake City, where a copy of “The Hobbit” has received a six-figure valuation. This significant announcement is set to spotlight the Season 30 premiere of “Antiques Roadshow,” airing on January 5, 2025.
Highlights from the Salt Lake City Event
In June 2025, around 4,000 people selected from a pool of approximately 9,000 entered the Red Butte Garden to have their valued possessions appraised by national experts. Only about 140 of these assessments were filmed for the show.
- The Season 30 premiere features a notable 1937 edition of “The Hobbit.”
- This edition, appraised by expert Ken Sanders, is valued at over $100,000.
- The valuation is attributed to a unique typo on the dust cover, confirming it as a first printing of the U.K. first edition.
Other Noteworthy Appraisals
Besides “The Hobbit,” several other remarkable items were appraised, including:
- A Viennese platter valued between $30,000 and $60,000.
- A personal comic strip from Charles Schulz, worth several thousand dollars.
- A third edition of The Book of Mormon.
- A handwritten letter from Ronald Reagan, appraised at over $1,500.
- A Mr. Peanut costume valued between $500 and $1,500.
The Appeal of “Antiques Roadshow”
This season marks the fourth time Salt Lake City has been featured on “Antiques Roadshow,” following previous visits in 1999, 2006, and 2016. The enduring charm of the show lies in the unique stories behind objects and the genuine reactions from both appraisers and owners.
Executive producer Marsha Bemko emphasized the show’s appeal, stating, “People appreciate the insights our experts provide. You can’t look some of this up.” She compared the appraising process to needing a doctor for a diagnosis: while information is readily available, genuine expertise remains irreplaceable.
Viewing Information
The premiere of “Antiques Roadshow” Season 30 will air on PBS at 7 p.m. MST on January 5, 2025. Viewers can also catch new episodes through the PBS app, the “Antiques Roadshow” website, and YouTube.
