What affects the value of old matchbooks?

The condition, design and age of a vintage matchbook are some factors that affect its value. The matches themselves generally have no effect on the value of the cover, and collectors frequently remove them.

Vintage matchbooks often featured a friction strip on the inside of the cover that allowed businesses to include creative art and design on the outside covers of the matchbooks. Matchbooks with the friction strip on the inside are generally more valuable.

Matchbooks for certain businesses and organizations are notable collectors’ items. Some popular collectible matchbook covers include those with Las Vegas or NFL themes or "girlie" covers produced for Playboy.