How to Collect Antique Bibles

Collecting antique Bibles is becoming more popular as people realize their investment potential. They are good investments because of their historical value and fragility. The term "antique" usually refers to Bibles that are more than 160 years old. As you collect, you may develop a deeper appreciation for the history of the Bible and the early printers who had difficulty getting the Bibles published.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Research the Bible's printing history so you understand the significance of various editions. You should be able to determine the rarity of the Bible and the market demand for it. Know the dates and importance of different Bibles including Geneva, King James, Coverdale, Matthew Tyndale, Bishop's, Rheims, Douay and the Great Bible.

2. Determine why you want to collect. Antique Bibles function as family heirlooms, conversation pieces, displays or for resell value.

3. Browse through Bibles at the online stores. When you find a Bible you are interested in, contact the stores to verify pricing and availability. If you can't find the Bible you are looking for, the store may be able to locate it for you.

4. Visit specialty collections like the Christian Heritage Museum in Maryland or the American Bible Society in New York. Find an antiquarian book dealer near you or go online. Most antiquarian book dealers handle Bibles.

5. Notice the age, size and the condition of the Bible. An older Bible generally costs more than a newer one. A larger pulpit folio costs more than a quarto bible. See if all the pages are there as the condition plays an important part in determining the value of the Bible.

6. Find out the provenance and any extra features of the Bible. Know who owned the Bible and if it is signed. Extra features of antique Bibles may include a Psalter, Book of Common Prayer, the Genealogy, Table of Names and Table of Things.

7. Determine the value and costs of the Bible. Typically, prices for antique Bibles begin at around $4,000.

Tips & Warnings

• Many antique Bibles had the New Testament printed in a different year than the Old Testament. The colophon date is the printing date that appears on the last page of the New Testament. There may be a different date on the Old Testament. It used to take 2 to 3 years or more to print and bind a whole Bible.
• Bindings on antique Bibles are usually hardcover, either full leather or half-calf. Leather only lasts between 150 to 300 years, so the binding won't last on your Bible. The value of the Bible doesn't depend on the binding, but on the quality of the pages.
• Bibles usually come in the "quarto" size that is 6.5 to 7 inches wide by 8.5 to 9 inches tall. The pulpit or folio size Bibles are larger and the "octavo" sized Bibles are smaller coat pocket size.
• Beware of bargain priced Bibles. Cheaper priced Bibles may be missing pages or are not in good condition.

Resources

• This site features the history of the Bible, a gallery and online store.
• Find rare and antique Bibles and and individual pages (leaves).