How to Find the Value of an Antique Bible

Antique Bibles can be worth large sums of money. As the Bible is a historical book, some antique Bibles are hundreds of years old. In order to be considered an antique, your Bible must at least 160 years old. Whether you recently acquired an antique Bible or it has been passed down in your family from generation to generation, you can assess its value. The age of the Bible as well as its condition will factor into its overall value.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antique Bible

1. Examine your Bible carefully. Mark down the year it was printed as well as specifics on its size and condition.

2. Note any special characteristics about your Bible. If your Bible was once owned by someone famous, it would increase its value. Likewise, if it was part of a first printing of its particular edition, it will be more highly valued. Other characteristics that may increase your Bible's value include maps, illustrations and decorative edges.

3. Be aware that handwritten text will bring down the value of your Bible. Even handwriting such as the original owner's name on the front cover's interior can devalue the Bible. The exception to this would be if the original owner was a famous person.

4. Know whether your Bible's leather binding is original or replaced. Since leather bindings last only between 200 and 300 years, many antique Bibles have been rebound at some point in their lifetimes.

5. Look up prices in an antique pricing guide book. You can use online versions such as Fadedgiant. By entering specifics about your Bible such as its age and condition, you can view the value of similar antique Bibles.

6. Take your Bible to an antique book professional. An expert book appraiser can give you a professional estimate of your Bible's value.

Tips & Warnings

• Most antique Bibles in good condition are worth at least $4,000.
• Be wary of antique Bibles that are cheaply priced. They may have missing or torn pages.

Resources

• Fadedgiant Books

[xyzmark]

on 3/20/2009 This is some good information. A good place to start before you spend money on an appraiser is www.ValueJockey.com. It is free. I would recommend using the tips from this article and posting a picture up there. Good Luck!!!