How Condition Effects the Value of Vintage Concert Posters

In every single collectible category, condition is a major factor effecting valuation. A collectible that has been carefully saved and preserved in “mint condition” will always be considered more desirable and valuable compared to a heavily worn or damaged specimen of the same issue.

Never has this concept been more true than in vintage concert poster collecting. 

Collectors understand that concert posters were created as a cheap, disposable method of advertisement. These posters were quickly designed and printed, often utilizing low quality paper, ink and printing presses. 

The posters were then “posted” all over town, stapled and taped to telephone poles, bulletin boards, and shop windows. Some were immediately grabbed by hippies and thumbtacked to the walls of their crash pads. 

Once displayed “out in the wild”, the posters were exposed to the elements and after the show were either ripped down or tacked over by a new poster for next weekend’s show!

The fact these posters exist today -- 50+ years later -- in any condition is a minor miracle! Many of these damaged or “used” concert posters, exhibiting nicks, cuts, tears, folds, pinholes, fading, water damage or missing paper have been professionally restored. 

While restoration is wonderful for displaying a poster in “like new condition”, it is generally frowned upon in regards to valuation by today’s collectors. A majority of today’s collectors value a 100% authentic, unrestored specimen higher than a poster that has paper, ink and other foreign materials that have been added after it was created. 

The fact that some vintage concert posters have somehow survived the past 50+ years in virtually the same condition as the day they were printed, is almost incomprehensible. 

Like all collectibles, there is a very enthusiastic group of advanced collectors that eagerly seek out the tiny supply of 1960’s concert posters that remain Mint Condition. At this level, very tiny differences in condition, often almost undetectable, can lead to huge differences in valuation. 

The bottom line is that at every single place on the quality spectrum, condition is a huge determinant to value. Today’s collectors are hyper focused on condition, and only a seasoned expert can accurately translate how tiny flaws impact a poster’s value.