How Much Is Anne Frank’s Diary Worth?
The diary of Anne Frank, titled “Het Achterhuis,” holds immense historical and sentimental value. As a renowned document of the Holocaust and a poignant account of a young girl’s experience during World War II, Anne Frank’s diary has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. But what is its value in the collectors’ market?
First published in 1947, the diary initially had a print run of 3,036 copies. It is a hardcover book with a distinctive white and red paper-covered board and a dust jacket. The first edition of Anne Frank’s diary is considered rare and highly sought after by collectors. However, the condition of the diary, including the presence of the original dust jacket, has a significant impact on its value.
Since its initial publication, the diary has seen subsequent editions, including a second edition in 1947 and a third edition in 1948. Furthermore, Anne Frank’s diary has been translated into 25 languages, with numerous publications exploring her life and writings.
Stay tuned to discover more about the auction prices for Anne Frank’s valuable handwritten artifacts, as well as the legacy and copyright of her iconic diary.
Anne Frank’s Diary Auction
In a recent auction, a handwritten poem by Anne Frank sold for 140,000 euros ($148,000). The poem, dated March 28, 1942, was written in the friendship book of Christiane “Cri-Cri” van Maarsen, who was the older sister of Anne Frank’s best friend. The auction price far exceeded the expected range of 30,000-50,000 euros. The buyer, a private individual, chose to remain anonymous. This auction marked the first time that a document handwritten by Anne Frank was sold by the auction house. The poem reflects Anne’s words of encouragement and resilience, urging the recipient to do their best and amend any mistakes.
Legacy and Copyright of Anne Frank’s Diary
The original diary of Anne Frank is currently owned by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and is on display at the museum. This historical document holds immense significance as a testament to the courage and strength of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II.
The copyright for the diary is held by the Anne Frank Fonds, which was established by Anne’s father, Otto Frank, in 1963. Keeping the original diary protected, the copyright ensures that its first published version remains safeguarded until 2050, seventy years after Otto Frank’s death.
The Anne Frank Fonds not only manages the copyright but also collects royalties from the diary’s publication and distribution. These royalties go towards supporting charitable organizations and initiatives dedicated to preserving Anne Frank’s memory and combatting antisemitism.
By maintaining the copyright and controlling the diary’s publication, the Anne Frank Fonds ensures that Anne’s powerful and poignant words continue to inspire and educate generations to come. The foundation’s commitment to fighting prejudice and fostering tolerance reflects Anne’s message of hope in the face of adversity.
