Books are often valued for the stories and knowledge they contain, but some have become so rare and historically significant that collectors have paid massive fortunes for them. Whether tied to famous authors, groundbreaking discoveries, or pivotal moments in history, these works have been transformed from ordinary books into priceless cultural artifacts sought after by museums, collectors, and investors alike.
From centuries-old manuscripts to first editions with extraordinary value, each book carries a story far beyond its pages. Together, they offer a fascinating look into the worlds of rare book collecting and the enduring power of the written word. Let’s take a look at 10 of the most expensive books ever sold.
1. ‘The Book of Mormon’ Printer’s Manuscript
Price: $35 million
This handwritten printer’s manuscript of the Book of Mormon, dating to the 1830s, was purchased by the LDS Church from the Community of Christ. That makes it the most expensive manuscript ever sold, unless you adjust the price of the Leonardo da Vinci book Bill Gates purchased in 1994 (more on that later).
2. The Gutenberg Bible
Price: Estimated $35 million
As the first major book printed using movable type in Europe, the Gutenberg Bible is a landmark in printing history. While exact sale prices vary, complete copies are estimated to be worth around $35 million.
3. ‘The Codex Leicester’ by Leonardo da Vinci
Price: $30.8 million
This 72-page scientific journal by Leonardo da Vinci was purchased in 1994 by Bill Gates, who has since made it available for public viewing. While Gates purchased it for $30.8 million in the 1990s, adjusted for inflation, the sales price is a whopping $66.5 million today, making this technically the most expensive book of all time.
4. The St. Cuthbert Gospel
Price: $14.3 million
The British Library acquired Europe’s oldest intact book, The St. Cuthbert Gospel, to ensure its preservation and public accessibility. The book, which dates back to the 7th century, was purchased for just north of $14 million.
5. The Bay Psalm Book
Price: $14.2 million
As the first book printed in British North America (way back in 1640), this copy was sold by Boston’s Old South Church with plans to loan out to libraries — a bold plan given the colossal price tag.
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6. The Rothschild Prayerbook
Price: $13.6 million
This lavishly illuminated 16th-century Flemish manuscript is renowned for its artistic and historical significance — and subsequently, its jaw-dropping, nearly $14 million price tag.
7. The Gospels of Henry the Lion
Price: $11.7 million
Commissioned in the 12th century, this masterpiece of Romanesque book illumination was purchased in 1983 to remain in Germany, with its lavish illustrations fully intact.
8. ‘The Birds of America’ by John James Audubon
Price: $11.5 million
Sold for $11.5 million in 2010, ‘The Birds of America’ is a collection of 435 life-sized, hand-colored illustrations of North American birds (we love a straightforward title). Its massive “Double Elephant Folio” format and vivid, lifelike detail make it one of the most beloved works in ornithology.
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9. Shakespeare’s First Folio
Price: $9.98 million
Wherefore art thou millions of dollars? Published in 1623, this compilation preserved many of Shakespeare’s plays. The 2020 sale set a record for a work of literature, nearly reaching $10 million.
10. ‘The Canterbury Tales’ by Geoffrey Chaucer
Price: $7.5 million
A first edition of “The Canterbury Tales,” printed by William Caxton in 1477, one of the earliest major works in English literature, sold for a cool $7.5 million at auction in 1998.
Want to see more expensive items?
Check out the 10 Most Expensive National Parks To Visit, or take a look at 11 Stars With the Most Expensive Car Collections. Finally, if you want to see the most expensive Ken dolls ever sold, check out 10 Most Expensive Vintage Ken Dolls Ever Sold.
