Arrowheads, more accurately termed projectile points, are widely collected ancient artifacts, but their monetary worth is highly inconsistent. The value of these stone tools spans a large range, from a few dollars for common finds to several thousand dollars for exceptional specimens. Determining the precise value of a point is a complicated process that relies on specific physical, historical, and legal factors. Assessing what a particular artifact might be worth requires understanding the attributes that influence collector demand.
Key Characteristics That Determine Value
The physical attributes of a projectile point significantly drive its market value. The condition of the artifact is a primary consideration, as pristine points without modern damage, such as nicks, chips, or breaks, command the highest prices. These points display the original symmetry and form, which is highly sought after.
The quality of the craftsmanship and the material used are also important indicators of worth. Collectors look for artifacts made from rare or visually appealing materials, such as colorful jasper, banded agate, or translucent obsidian, which are valued more highly than common chert or flint. High-quality flaking—the precise removal of stone to shape the point—and delicate serration showcase superior lithic technology and increase desirability.
The type and age of the point are critical to its valuation. Specific cultural types, such as Clovis and Folsom points, date back over 10,000 years to the Paleo-Indian period, making them exceptionally rare and historically significant. These older, rarer forms are substantially more valuable than later, more common types like stemmed points. Larger, well-proportioned projectile points with complete, intact bases attract higher prices than smaller or fragmented pieces.
Authentication and Legal Ownership
Before any monetary value can be assigned, the artifact must be verified as genuinely ancient and legally collectible. Authentication distinguishes genuine artifacts from modern reproductions, which saturate the market. Experts use microscopic analysis to examine the patina—the surface wear and mineral deposits that accumulate over thousands of years—and the patterns of knapping scars to confirm age and authenticity.
A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a respected grading service or expert provides an independent assessment of the artifact’s condition and genuineness, which greatly enhances its market value. The most effective verification, however, comes from documented provenance—the complete history of ownership and the exact location where the point was originally found. Artifacts with a clear, well-documented history are viewed with much greater confidence by serious collectors.
Legal compliance is a foundational aspect of ownership and marketability, particularly concerning federal and state regulations. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) strictly prohibits the excavation or removal of archaeological resources from public lands. Although ARPA does not carry criminal penalties for surface-collected arrowheads, these artifacts are still considered federal property, and their removal can result in prosecution under other laws. Consequently, artifacts must be legally acquired—typically found on private land with the owner’s permission—to be lawfully bought, sold, or traded.
Where and How to Sell Artifacts
The final realized worth of a projectile point is determined by the venue and the forces of supply and demand within the collector community. Specialized artifact auction houses are often the preferred location for high-value or rare collections, as they attract dedicated buyers and frequently achieve the highest sale prices. These venues typically charge a commission on the final sale price, often ranging from 10% to 20%.
Alternative options include direct private sales to collectors, facilitated through online forums or specialized social media groups, which bypass auction fees entirely. General online marketplaces can also be used, but they carry a higher risk of encountering skeptical buyers or being confused with modern reproductions. For sellers seeking a quick transaction, specialized dealers and artifact buyers will often travel to appraise a collection and make an immediate cash offer.
It is important to understand the distinction between an appraisal and the final sale price. An appraisal provides an expert’s estimate of value based on condition and historical data. However, the actual market price is ultimately set by the amount a willing buyer pays on a given day. Researching recent auction results for comparable artifacts is the most practical way to estimate a realistic selling price before attempting a transaction.