byronreese
By Kevin Beese
Who Buys Antique Bibles?
Antique Bibles are increasing in popularity as an investment item and are appreciated by historians and religious practitioners for their tradition and legacy.
Shanna Joseph on Flickr
By Kevin Beese
OverviewAntique Bibles are growing in popularity as collector’s items. The religious artifacts, some dating back to the 1300s, continue to appreciate in value annually, making them increasingly popular investment tools. They also are passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms. Antique Bibles are also an option in gift-giving for the person who has everything.Investors and collectorsAntique Bibles increase in value from 15 to 25 percent or more each year, making them a sound investment for many individuals. Collecting antique Bibles can be a rewarding hobby for some people, joyous over hunting down first editions or rare finds. Books can range from $400 to several million dollars depending on condition, rarity, age and first-edition status. Most antique Bibles fall into the $3,000 to $10,000 price range.FamiliesMany families make the investment to purchase an antique Bible and then pass it on from generation to generation as an heirloom. Some families who plan on keeping the Bible for generations have their family name stamped into the leather cover and put family record pages of “Birth, Marriage, Death” into the front or back of the book.Gift-GiversAn antique Bible makes a special gift for religious individuals and people who have everything. It also can make an excellent present for special occasions. Religious individuals will marvel at having a Bible from the 1500s or 1600s, a keepsake to cherish and keep close to them. Although aged, antique Bibles were made with quality paper–unlike most of today’s versions–and are able to withstand time and wear and are still functional documents.FeaturesAge – With all things being equal between a Bible from 1530 and one from 1830, the Bible from 1530 will cost more.
Size – Antique Bibles that are bigger in size will cost more due to more paper and binding.
Extras – Bibles containing the Genealogy of Man, the Book of Common Prayer, maps, red ruling and other features will cost more than those that don’t have these features.IdentificationIt is difficult at first to determine a $400 Bible from a $4,000 Bible, but with research and some coaching, it can be done. Research the age, condition, completeness and other factors that can impact the price of a Bible. An excellent site that gives you an idea of how to get started and that provides an antique Bible buying guide is www.greatsite.com.BindingAlthough it would seem that a new cover would lessen the price of an antique Bible, that is not the case. The judging is done on the contents, not the cover. Getting a fresh binding on an antique Bible is not frowned upon, and in some cases, can increase the value of the book.ResourcesreferenceBible collection information
Image Reference – Who Buys Antique Bibles?
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