Any person who is interested in collecting books would prefer to understand what the most expensive books that are available out there. We did quick research about the books and got to know about the most valuable books that have ever been written. Here is a list of them. Based on these books, you will also be able to understand whether you are having any of the expensive books in your rare book collection or not.
The Codex of Leicester
The Codex of Leicester is a book written by Leonardo da Vinci. This book was sold at a price of $30.8 million back in the year 1994. As of now, the overall value of this book is estimated at $52.8 million. You can think about calling this as the most expensive book that has ever been sold. This is not like a traditional book. Instead, it is a manuscript that is made out of linen and has 72 pages. Inside the pages, you will be able to see the theories, thoughts, and observations of Leonardo da Vinci. All these are related to the world that he could see around him. For example, Leonardo da Vinci has included his thoughts about the luminosity of the moon, fossils, and movement of water. As of now, this book is owned by Bill Gates. At the time of owning this book back in the year 1994, he was not the richest person to live on the planet.
The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon book was sold at a price of $35 million. However, the price of this book as of now is around $36.3 million. This is one of the handwritten manuscripts written by the Church. The original book is still preserved in perfect condition. That’s the main reason on why you can discover how it is associated with a premium price tag.
The Gospels of Henry the Lion
The Gospels of Henry the Lion is a book that was published back in the 12th Century. This book was written in the year 1983 for a price of $11. 7 million. As of now, the price of the book has appraised up to $29.86 million. This book was highly in demand among the West German Consortiums. They were even willing to pay more money to get this book. That’s because the book is attached to King Henry the Lion, who contributed a lot towards founding of the Germany. Therefore, this book is highly important for the country and the people who live in it.
The Magna Carta
The Magna Carta book was sold at an auction that took place in the year 2017 for a price of $21.3 million. As of now, we can see few copies of The Magna Carta book circulating all around the world. All these books are highly in demand. This is a manuscript that is written about philanthropy. Due to the same reason, people who are linked with philanthropy tend to spend their money and buy this book.
The St. Cuthbert Gospel
The St. Cuthbert Gospel is the earliest European book to survive. The book is currently old for more than 1,300 years. However, the book is in top-notch condition as of now as well. You will be able to see the book in a perfect red color. At an auction that was held back in the year 2012, this book was sold for a price of $14 million. In fact, the book was sold as a part of a fundraising program.
The St. Cuthbert Gospel book was buried along with the writer and owner of it, St. Cuthbert. He was buried back in the year 687. However, people were able to unearth the book back in the year 1104, especially when the remains of the author were moved for a Shrine. The book retained in perfect condition by that time as well. This book remained in Belgium for a considerable period of time.
The Bay Psalm Book
The Bay Psalm Book was printed back in the year 1650. As of now, the value of this book is around $15 million. That’s why we thought of including this book into the list of the most expensive books to be ever written out there in the world. This book was initially printed back in the year 1650. It took place after 20 years where the settlers arrived at the Plymouth Rock. Due to the same reason, you can even think about calling this as the very first book to be printed in the North America as well. There were 11 copies of the original book. However, we are not too sure about the number of copies that exist out there as of now. The Bay Psalm Book was able to make a world record by becoming the book to be sold at the highest price tag. In fact, the book was sold for a price of $14 million back in the year 2013. As of now, the author of this book is loaning it to different libraries out there.
The Rothschild Prayerbook
The Rothschild Prayerbook is a manuscript that was printed back in the year 16th century. One of the best things you will notice in this book is that it is filled with incredible paintings. The book is offering information with related to the Rothschild Family. This expensive book was stolen back in the year 1938 by the Nazis. However, Hitler decided to give this book to the National Library in Vienna. However, the National Library refused to give back the book to Rothschilds. However, the book was handed over to the right owner by the year 1999. This book is worthy for around $14.6 million as of now.
Final words
As you can see, all these books are worthy in millions of dollars. Hence, these are the most valuable books ever to be written in this world.