Rarity Scale

The rarity scale is a less-than-scientific attempt to give collectors an idea of the scarcity of each calendar. I have based it primarily upon the number of eBay auctions in which a calendar has appeared but adjusted by the availability at various on-line booksellers, the number that I know of in the hands of other collectors or collection (e.g. - Marquette University), and the number that were created (as for the various issues of the Tolkien societies) when I have able to determine same.

10 The rarest because of age, number issued, and/or condition (referring to those still mint in sealed mailers/envelopes or shrink-wrapped). Usually, I know of less than five examples of it.
9 Scarce, not impossible to collect, but most are in the hands of collectors. Usually, I know of less than 10 examples of it. Unless one appears on eBay (on average: less than once per year), you have to know someone who knows someone who has one (and is willing to part with it!)
8 May appear on eBay on average once or twice a year, or fifty or fewer were created.
7 May appear on eBay on average less than once per month, or 100 or fewer were created.
6 May appear on eBay on average one or more times each month, or 200 or fewer were created.
5 May appear on eBay on average less than once per week, or 1000 or fewer were created.
4 May appear on eBay on average one or more times per week, or more than 1000 of them were created.
3, 2, 1 Such ratings refer to calendars from current or immediately previous year. You can find them "everywhere" today. But who knows in ten years or more?
CodeYou will note letters in parentheses following most issues. If a parenthesized letter does not appear, I do not have a copy of that issue in my collection. If a letter does appear, the code is:
(x) Opened copy.
(m) Mint (in unopened mailer or shrinkwrapped) or as new (if not originally issued in an mailer or shrinkwrapped.)
(s) Signed by the illustrator.
(p) Proof copy.