The Top 9 Most Valuable Antique Books and Why They're So Valuable
Antique books are not only cherished for their literary value but also for their historical and monetary worth. Some of the rarest and most valuable books in the world are worth millions of dollars. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 most valuable antique books and why they're so valuable.
The Gutenberg Bible (1455) The Gutenberg Bible is considered the first book ever printed with movable type. Only 49 copies of the original Gutenberg Bible are known to exist, and each one is worth millions of dollars. Its rarity, historical significance, and influence on the printing industry make it one of the most valuable books in the world.
The Bay Psalm Book (1640) The Bay Psalm Book is the first book ever printed in America, and only 11 copies remain in existence. In 2013, a copy of the Bay Psalm Book sold for $14.2 million at auction, making it the most expensive printed book ever sold.
The Birds of America by John James Audubon (1827-1838) The Birds of America is a collection of 435 hand-colored engravings of American birds. The book is known for its large size and detailed illustrations, and only 119 complete copies are known to exist. In 2010, a copy of the book sold for $11.5 million at auction.
Shakespeare's First Folio (1623) The First Folio is a collection of 36 Shakespearean plays, including 18 that had never been published before. Only around 240 copies of the First Folio are known to exist, making it one of the rarest and most valuable books in the world. In 2001, a copy of the First Folio sold for $6.2 million.
The Gutenberg Bible on vellum (1455) While the original Gutenberg Bible is valuable, copies printed on vellum (calfskin) are even rarer and more valuable. Only three copies on vellum exist, and each one is worth tens of millions of dollars.
The Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci (1510-1519) The Codex Leicester is a collection of scientific writings and drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. It's one of the most important scientific manuscripts in history, and in 1994, Microsoft founder Bill Gates purchased it for $30.8 million.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling (2007) While not as old as some of the other books on this list, the Tales of Beedle the Bard is one of the most valuable modern books in the world. Only seven copies were produced, and one was sold at auction in 2007 for $3.98 million.
The First Atlas by Gerardus Mercator (1595) The First Atlas is a collection of maps of the world created by Gerardus Mercator. Only a few copies of the original edition exist, and in 2012, a copy sold for $1.3 million.
The First Book of Urizen by William Blake (1794) The First Book of Urizen is a collection of poems and illustrations by William Blake. Only eight copies are known to exist, and in 2009, a copy sold for $2.5 million.
In conclusion, antique books are not only valuable for their literary and historical significance but also for their monetary worth. The top 9 most valuable antique books on this list are rare, unique, and have made a significant impact on the literary and historical world. Proper care and preservation are important for antique books to maintain their value and continue to be treasured for generations to come.