After several years of unprecedented growth during the last decade, sales of new books in the religion category have declined significantly. Since 2007, sales as reported by the Association of American Publishers (AAP), have declined by more than 25%. The year by year breakdown of revenues reported is as follows:
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 |
| $585.4M | $614.3M | $724.1M | $783.3M |
Such declining revenues from books with religious content, which include all religions as well as New Age titles, seems to be the result of slow economic times at a time that lacked new, blockbuster releases. In prior years, best sellers including: “The Prayer of Jabez”, “Left Behind”, and “The Purpose-Driven Life,” boosted sales over a prolonged period of time. Climbing sales of e-books during the same period, may have been a factor also; a much less significant one nevertheless.
Despite slow economic times, prices for rare books of the Religion & Theology category have been climbing, primarily due to the finite quantity of such collectors’ items. It is estimated for example, that in recent years the value of most Bibles has appreciated by 10% to 15% annually with some unspeakably rare collections rising as much as 25% – quite a significant appreciation.
Shortly after the stock market collapsed in 2000, investors have been looking for “hard assets,” such as art, coins, books, and jewelry, to complement their portfolios. Despite lacking liquidity, highly collectible hard assets offer a good way to diversify and minimize the risk in stock and bond return fluctuations. Amongst rare books, religious books have gained significant interest in auction houses and online sites sales as a result of this trend. The unique nature of these assets makes investing in them tricky, often requiring expert advice. Specialists providing services within this genre vary widely. Multiple religions with publications in various languages covering the full spectrum of published works, makes the domain of specialization quite extensive. Consider the following list of some of the most noticeable sales that took place in recent years:
| Title | Author | Period Published | Sale price | Year sold |
| King James Great ‘She’ Bible | Robert Barker | 1613 | $22,166 | 2011 |
| King James Bible | John Field | 1660 | $14,105 | 2011 |
| TractatusTheologico-Politicus | Benedictus de Spinoza | 1670 | $8,399 | 2011 |
| King James Great ‘He’ Bible | Robert Barker | 1611 | $8,900 | 2010 |
| Arabic Manuscript of Al Wajaza Fi Sihhat Il Qawl Bi I Ijaza | 10th Century AD | $45,000 | 2010 | |
| La Bibbia, Tradotta in Lingva Tofcana | 1545 | $5,500 | 2010 | |
| Mir’at al Haramain aw al rihlat ul Hijaziyya wa I Hajj wa masha’iruhu ad Diniyya | Ibrahim Rif’aat Pasha | 1925 | $6,000 | 2010 |
| The Holy Bible: Reprinted according to the authorized version of 1611 |
1611 | $7,500 | 2010 | |
| Liber Psalmorum Hebraice | Benjamin Kennicott | 1809 | $8,259 | 2009 |
| Miniature Maghribi Manuscript of Dala’il ul Khayra |
Sidi Muhammad ibn Sulayman al-Jazuli al-Simlali |
18th Century | $6,200 | 2009 |
| The Four Gospels of the Lord Jesus Christ | Eric Gill | 1931 | $11,000 | 2009 |
| Goslar Gospels | 1990 | $7,470 | 2008 | |
| Sefarad: Revista del Instituto Arias Montano de Estudios Hebraicos y Oriente Proximo |
Consejo Superior de Imvestigaciones |
1941 | $7,265 | 2008 |
| Memories on the Affairs of the Jesuits |
C.P. Platel | 1766 | $5,698 | 2008 |
| Supplementum summae Pisanellae |
Nikolaus Osimo | 1479 | $24,941 | 2007 |
| The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt and Nubia | David Roberts | 1855 | $13,000 | 2007 |
The unique nature of these books is obvious. Not only are some of them one of a kind but in the case where a limited number was published and still surviving, the variations in the condition deem each copy unique. How does the investor then determine a fair price valuation given such uniqueness and limited availability of comparables? One way is by tracking sales of the same copy of a book that sold multiple times. The rarity of such an occurrence is a major drawback but it does occasionally happen that the exact same copy is resold. Expert appraisers rely on historic sales of similar copies factoring in any applicable differences using a proven formula.
The best advice that we can offer to the investor who does not have the expertise available, is to narrow the domain of interest as much as possible and then use some general guidelines to collect unique items that are likely to experience increasing demand. For example, focusing on Bibles printed in North America in the 18th century and printed in Europe in the 16th or 17th centuries is a very good target to focus on if Bibles is what interests you. After all it is the most printed book in the world.
{ 86 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello..
Y name is Nadia.
I have for sell our family’s antique books. (1866,1930,1940)-Religious, Shakespeare.
Could you, please, tell me if I can sell them for cash and how I can send to your company?
My Best Regards.
I have had these pages for many years. There is a number on the back like they were auctioned separately. Is there a way I could send a picture of them. Can you shed some light on these two pages I have? Thank you
“Researching an important pastor, Richmond Nolley, died 1814. Had in his possession 3 books – old doc says: Walt Legish Basiter / Reformed Pastor and on baptism. know any of those? We would like to know what he was reading. [email protected]
I have the Thomas A Kempis’ ‘Imitation of Christ’ (Introduction by HC Beeching) book published by Blackie and Son in October* 1904.
The hardcover 300-page* book is in a good condition and I’m planning to sell it.
If anyone’s interested let me know. Thanks.
I have an old book dated 1619
Meditations vpon the mysteries of ovr holie faith with the practice of mental prayer tovching the same
By Lewis of puente
The second tome
Spelled as in the book
I can find recent publications and I can see some universities and museums original copies but I can’t find one for sale or get an idea of it’s value. Does anyone have an idea of value or where to go to find out?
I have a 1875 Oxford bible. It’s a small bible is new and old testament. Translated out of original tongues and revised by his majesty special command. How much is it worth
I have a 1941 holy bible old and New Testament was wondering if it was worth anything
To whom it may concern,
I am currently doing a research online to know the value of the 1st edition of Shams Al Ma’arif book and google directed me to your website.
Any info or help from your side are highly appreciated, thank you
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shams_al-Ma'arif
I have a copy of The Golden Memories of the Book of Books”. By Bishop J.P. Newman. D.D.L.L.D.
I also have a A self pronouncing Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments.
Does anyone know anything about these or what they may be worth? I have pictures I can send if that would help.
Thank you
I have old books : Out of Egypt Into Canaan 1889 , Martin Wells Knapp ( fair condition) and Lightning Bolts From Pentecostal Skies by Knapp, 1899 in good condition; and The War of the Ages by Milton Williams, 1909 very good condition
Where can I have an original 1747 “The Chronology of the Hebrew Bible Vindicated” appraised?
I have an old Swedish Bible, Bibelen, Den hellige Gfrif, Minneapolis, Minn. Den forenede Kirfes Boghandels forlag. 1892. I would like to know is it is of any value!
Hello…I have about a 20 lb. large Family Bible printed in London, England dated 1840, with many lithographs owned by my grandparents…does anyone know it’s worth or who I could contact regarding its value either in the States or England?
I would love to buy it from you.
I have a Bible in good condition from historical publishing company St Louis, Mo Philadelphia, PA old & new testaments parallel columns University oxford & Cambridge dates AD 98 – 1884 by Reverend William Brown can anyone tell me anything about this Bible
I have a first edition of the History and life of Jesus Christ, 1830 by Rev Thomas Brown for sale.
I would love to buy it from you. How much you asking?
Hi. I have a small leather bound King James church service book with one clasp and gold edging from 1840,s i think. Wondering if anyone could help me find out more on it . It has a inscription from Beeatrice bell Wheatley hill c/oDurham inside. Thanks for any help.
I have had this book and now I would like to see what the value is and if there is someone interested vCharles Hayes is my name using my girlfriend’s website like to hear something back from you I can send pictures
I would like to know the approximate value a reputable christian book dealer would put on the following book:
LIFE AND TRAVELS OF ELDER WILLIAM CONRAD
It was published in 1876.
I have 2 small books the gospel of John and the gospel of paul written by Charles Erdman in 1929 are they collectable?
Hello. I have a beautiful little book, called The book of common prayer, it’s dated at around 1870. I’d never part with it but, curious if it has any value? It’s suede bound with brass edging and clasp and guilt edged pages.
I collect Bibles as it is my hobby I would say the book of common prayer that you own is probably worth around $100 to $150 if it is complete with original boards and binding. The boards need to be attached in the binding needs to be solid with all pages bound. If you had the same book from the 17th century then it would probably be around $500 or more.
Hi. I have a book called
History of all religions Illustrated by William Burder .
It’s an amazing book, gold trim with breathtaking illustrations covered by tissue paper. I have searched forever for information about this book, but I continue to come up empty-handed. Please, HELP!
Hi, I want to sold my around 100 years old Ramayana holy book
I’ve come across a really old bible n from what I’ve read is worth a small fortune…
Can someone please help me further.
Hey there I’m hoping someone can help me. I’ve acquired a few old books, one of which is a very old bible I’m sure is worth a fortune from what I’ve read, but really not sure. Can someone please help me!
The Life of the Virgin Mary
The Abbe Orsini
Virtue Yorston & Co
1866
I have a book titled
The Life of the Virgin Mary
Author The Abby Orsini
Printed 1866
The cover is well worn. Any idea if there is a value to this book
hi, I have an 1809 catholic educator book, I cant find anyone else selling this book. what would you say its worth?
I have a book David written in language Gyz on cow skin, in wood cover. would like to know how old is it? and how much is it worth.
I have a bible printed in Philadelphia Pa in 1945 is thete a monetary value and or is it collectable?
I have a bible printed by Wm young in Philadelphia 1796. The old and New Testament translated from it original language with the Psalms of David at the end. B it has so genealogy info inside written by the family that owned the Bible. I have not been able to find any info about it, and the possible value.
I have a Family Circle Edition Illistrated Holy Bible 500 th Anniversary. It has a off white leather cover. Does anyone have any idea what it is worth ??
I have a set of books (8 volumes) about the Bible that is in perfect condition. Name of the series is The Book of Life, original copyright 1923, my copy is the 1940 edition. Book includes colored prints of fine art religious paintings with commentary. The set appears to be geared to the Bible educator. Volumes:
1. Bible Treasures
2. Bible Heroes, Pioneers
3. Bible King, Captains
4. Bible Prophets, Statesmen
5. Bible Poetry
6. Life of the Master
7. Paul, Life Letters
8. Bible Educator Index
Can you give me an estimate of its value and also where I might sell them?
Thanks
I have a prayer book written all in Czech. Has unusal cover. Picture of Christ looks painted on. Very smooth finish. Has date of 1911 inside. would like to sell. wonder what it is worth.
I have a 1741 German sermon book ,has Pretigten in big letters in middle of page , book is in good condition . wondering what the value of this book is
I have an old English prayer book dated 1675 has torn pages that have been sewn with thread to repair .There are many pictures that are partially painted by hand.In small print it says Sold by Richard Clark &Thomas Guy. I would be interested to know if this book has any value.Thank you for your time.Clive
It’s worth
something 2 me. I would love to buy it. I have lost all hope that there is a God but really want to read about all God’s more and want to do so with old books. Let me know what you would sell it to me for. Thanks
I have in my possession a first edition of Messiah’s Throne and Kingdom. Any idea how rare it is and what the value of it would be. Thank You in Advance for any information you may have.
Hi I have 4 books all published late 1800s I belive, 1)voices of the church, 2) Catholic truth 3) the cross and the flag 4) the teachings of the Catholic church. The bindings are not in good shape. But the illistrations and pages are beautiful. What are these and what is their value?
I have 1912 Dr. Rusk Story of Christ and Apostles for boys and girls, Fireside edition other than the personal value to myself does it have any monatary value? Thank you for your time
Hi
I have a Church Services Bible which dates 1870
Inscription inside dates March 1870
I can send pics if necessary
Thanks
Andy
I have a 1st edition Gone With The Wind signed by Margaret Mitchell using her married name. Mrs John Marsh. I have never seen her sign a book that way. I have found where she has signed her name that way
The New Panorama Bible Study Course by Alfred Thompson Eade. Pub 1959. In very good condition. Does anyone know of a collector that might like this, please? Another example is currently on Amazon priced at £230.
Many thanks,
Steven (UK. 07951283558)
Hi there,
I was left a few old books after my father passed away, and wonder if you could help me.
The first one is titled My Manual, and it is filled with scriptures, and has gold edging on the pages. The proble is, I cannot fine who printed it or when it was printed.
The second is another bible, with the title, Holy Bible, and it also has Maps, Plates and References on the outer cover of the book. The pages have gold on the edges of the pages, as well as a brass surrounding around the cover. It was printed by Oxford University press, but again, does not say if it was a first, second edition. It does have the number, M.DCCC.LXXII
I would be most grateful if you could fill me in with any information that you may have.
Regards,
Paul.
I have a book I don’t know what it is I believe its a Arabic bible I’m not sure can u help?
Hey,
I have a small collection of religious books , maybe 15 or so. Dating between 1600’s-late 1800’s. One particular being the 1793 First Octavo Bible printed in Trenton, NJ by Isaac Collins. Another titled “Moses in the mount or, the Beloved Defciple leaning on Iefus.s Bofum” this one is dated 1657 and just says “written by a friend” “London, printed by Robert White, for Francis Tyton @ the Three Daggers in Fleet Fleet Ftreet near the inner-temple gate, 1657.” And so on
One more is titled “twelve sermons preached on several occasions” by Richard Lucas, D.D. Vicar of St. Stephen Coleman-Street and Prebendary of Westmeinster. Vol. 1
London printed for Sam, Smith and Benj Walford @ the Prince’s Arms in St. Paul’s Church Yard MDCCII, 1702.
The majority of the rest are printed in that old Germantown dialect so I’m not really sure… What they are.
Thanks for any help!
Raymond!
I have a very small booklet, written by Eugene Tester, about Martin Luther. I can find nothing about it. Help please!
I have KJB rare and old version of King James holy bible. 1800 century Help me identify its value.
the book i was wondering about is
family devotion
by Revd. Alexander FletcherD.D
london
I have a hard cover book written by J Baldwin Brown, date 1869, titled Misread Passages of Scripture , publisher is Carlton & Lanahan Broadway New York. I can’t find any copies of this exact edition. I only found Reprints , Sermons and Soft covers. I am desperately trying to find one to compare value as well as finding it a better home that would appreciate it. Does anyone know of who might have this exact edition with the same publisher? Thank you in advance.
I have a small prayer book titled
“A manual of prayers for the use of scholars of winchefter college” 1748 (in decent shape)
Also have a very large book/bible
“The two bibles of Winchester” 1981 this book is brand new still in wax paper wrap, and appears to never have been opened.
can you provide feedback/info on these books?
[email protected]
thank you
I have a first edition of
A Gentle Remonstrance: A Letter Addresssed to the REV. F. C. Ewer….
I can only find facimilie copies of it available for sale. It’s in wonderful condition. Does it have any collectors value?
I have a Persian Morocco Holy Bible printed in great Britain containing the old and new testaments translated out of the original tongues: and with the former translations diligently compared and revised, by his majesty’s special command cambridge printed at the university press london: Cambridge University Press New York: the MacMillan company.
There is no date in the book showing its year. I was wondering how to find out if it is considered antique and what it’s worth.
Could you help me to value Arabic Holy bible since 1870 s and copied in Beirut
[email protected]
I’m wondering why my post from 12-27-2015 was deleted? If you don’t know the answers, please say so, not remove the post. Maybe someone else will know.
I was wanting to know how many copies of The Beauty of God by John Hood, 1908, were printed, and the value of a copy presented to Thomas Frank Gailor by the author, along with a full page letter from the author asking Bishop Gailor to review and promote the book. Thank you.
I have complete 7 volume set of first edition works of reverend john Wesley published mostly 1826-27
i have a specimen copy of “Meditations on the life of Christ” with hand written corrections throughout by the translator and editor the Ven archdeacon Wright MA. With a message to the publisher. Corrections dated Nov 25 1891. How can I get it valued?
Hello. I was wondering if you had any information about a very old book entitled Golden Memories of the Book of Books in Picture, Song, and Story by Henry Frederic Reddall. I understand that it likely came out as a hardcover in 1891 or 1892, but do you have any information that it might have been published or distributed before that time? Many thanks.
First published in 1890.
I have a book the life of our lord 2nd edition with 50 illustrations by Elizabeth Maria lloyde 1833 any info on this book
I have set of 20 priced 1s not books more like papers or magazines on the cover is the following writing
A. FULLARTON & Co FAMILY BIBLE with INTODUCTION NOTES REFERENCES by the REV J BROWN OF HADDINGTON
Most of the pages are uncut. Would appreciate if you could tell me if they are of any valve as I would like to sell them
Thank you
I came across a first edition 1875 Conversations of Jesus by Edward Abbott and wanting to know if this has any value and if so where I might sell it.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
thank you in advance.
Scott
Dealers of religious books should be very interested in “Conversations of Jesus” by Edward Abbott. Auction houses should also be very interested in a consignment deal. If you can find a collector interested in early Christian books you should be able to receive a very valuable offer.
I have a book written by James A. Doyle “Life of Christ” given to my father in 1976 at that time it was over 165 years old ..now being approx 200 years old. I am trying to find the origination of the book possible Ireland.
Bishop James Warren Doyle (1786–1834) was a Roman Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin in Ireland, not sure who James A. Doyle was.
Recently found,a copy of History of the Hindoos,by Rev.William Ward,signed by W.F. Stokes,published 1824,by H.Huntington Jr.
I would appreciate, any information and value etc… Thank- you
I have the same original book. Did you find out any info on it
I have a book titled “Manual of the Blessed Trinity” published by P.J. Kennedy, 47 Mott Street, NYC and printed by the New York Printing Company, 82, 83, and 85 Centre Street, NYC, in 1870, with the approbation of the Most Reverend John McCloskey, Archbishop of New York. In addition to the text, it is illustrated with 175 engravings. The book is leather bound with a brass lock fastener. Curious as to its origins and value.
hi Jim…i have this book as well, however, it’s missing the title page…if you still have your copy, would you be willing to scan the title page & email it to me? many thanks for your time & trouble…alice
I have a book called ‘Church Services’ on the out side spine
Inside it says Book of common prayer and administration of the Sacraments.
Rights and ceremonies of the church according to the use of the United church of England – and Ireland
Together with the Proper Lessons for sundays and other holy days.
Printed by the University Press Oxford.
At the bottom of the page is the date M.DCCC.LIV which I believe is 1854
There is an inscription on the inside dating I think 1855
Can anyone help me to identify this little book which is bound in red leather and has brass edgings and little lock type fastening. The outer box is in green with white silk looking interior but this is in bad condition now. Also had a brass lock type fastening
Hi, I have a book from 1831 titled Edwards on the affections by Jonathan Edwards, essay by Rev. DAVID young. Printed for william collins, Glasgow. I cant find one of these other than an online book site. Please help me to identify its value. Thanks
I have a copy of The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments printed by John Baskett 1732
The publisher is University of Oxford and the book and binding are in good condition
Although many editions of the BCP were printed, this particular edition is one of only two in existence in public hands and I would be grateful for your comments and any idea of it’s value
I have pasted the following assessment of the book from the curator of Rare Books and Music Collections at the National Library of Scotland.
————————————————————————-
Hi Chris,
I think that your copy would be considered very rare as there is only one other extant copy in public hands at located Cambridge University library:
The ESTC number [English Short Title Catalogue] is the identifier of the edition. The ESTC records the worldwide holdings of all works published in the United Kingdom and/or in the English language from the beginning of print until the year 1801.
Worldcat.org lists 4 copies in existence dated 1732. A number of other copies published before 1732 by Oxford are available for sale for about £300.
I have received a copy of Richard Watson’s “Theological Institutes: or, a view of the Evidences, Doctrines, Morals, and Institutions of Christianity” dated 1892. The front and back hard covers are coming off and are in very poor shape but the pages etc are good. What would be the value (if any) of this book? Thanks
Hi there, got a beautiful leather/goldleaf 15 inch 1954 version of the 1611 King James with
spectacular colour paintings from the masters. Everyone tells me it”s not worth anything, can that
be true?
Less that 100 Sterling. While the King James edition with the illustrations by celebrated old Masters is quite scarce, older editions of the most printed book (Bible) are plentiful still.
I have for sale an original copy, leather bound, set of pamphlets by Henry Ainsworth on the Pentateuch.
It is still in a remarkable condition. It was bought by my Great Grand Father the Reverend Athol Stuart (Stewart) a Minister in the disruption of 1843 based in Blair Athol. I have the receipt when it was bought for 16 shillings from a bookseller MacLaughlan Stewart in 64 South Bridge Edinburgh. in 1844.
I think such a volume would fetch a high price in some American Religious Organisations
I cannot find “The Life of Moses” by Hunter. It was a favorite book of Stonewall Jackson. Do you have any idea where I could find a copy? Thanks
I have a copy
I have recently acquired three books, “Heaven the Country, Christ the Way” 1895; “The Life of Christ From the Four Gospels” 1905 and “Discourses on the Evidence of Revealed Religion” 1795. The first two are in great condition, the third is mostly intact with the cover not fully attached. I have tried to research these books, but am not having much luck as I do not really know where to look. Would you happen to have information on theses books or tell me where I might look for it myself? I am trying to find the value of them. Thank you for your time.
We have just come in to possession of a 1660 Bible by John Field. It is small, maybe 2 in x 5 in in size. It has 2 metal clasps although one is gone and the other does not latch. It otherwise is in quite good condition. I am having difficulty finding anything just like it on the internet. Any ideas where I can get anymore information. Thanks
I’m trying to find Young’s Analytical Concordance that was printed in England in the 1950’s and maybe 60’s. The books were sold door to door in the Midwest states. Bound in leather but not that flexible with thin bible paper maybe 1 inch thick. Dimensions were about 12″x9 or 10″”. I thought that it may have been the Southwestern Publishers because they had offices in Scotland or England. I have a Nave’s topical by them that looks like the Young’s in question. My uncle had one back int he 60’s and I’m going by memory.
his books looks so rare that no one has even heard of it.
Help!
thanks ;
Lester
Robert Young’s Analytical Concordance of the Bible comes in many editions and time periods. A 60’s version that you may be refering to was published in 1963 by the United Society for Christian Literature in London.
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