Here are the best and most collectible Bibles published from 1700 onward—the editions that collectors consistently prize for their historical impact, rarity, beauty, or craftsmanship.
This list focuses on editions that are obtainable (unlike 1500s–1600s printings) but still highly valuable.
Top Collectible Bibles (1700–Present)
1. The 1717 “Vinegar Bible” (Oxford)
Why collect:
One of the most famous printing errors in Bible history—“The Parable of the Vineyard” was incorrectly printed as “The Parable of the Vinegar.”
Features:
- Magnificent large folio format
- Lavish engravings
- Often finely bound
- Highly sought after by collectors of printing curiosities
2. Baskett’s 1743 “Baskett Bible” (Oxford)
Why collect:
Considered one of the finest 18th-century printed Bibles.
Features:
- Beautiful large-format printing
- Exceptional typography for its time
- Often elaborately bound
- Sometimes includes the famous “He Bible/She Bible” variants
3. John Wesley’s Bibles (Late 1700s)
Why collect:
Wesley’s editions reflect the early Methodist movement and often include his personal notes or corrections.
High demand among religious historians and Methodist collectors.
4. First Bibles in Indigenous or Regional Languages (1700s–1800s)
Examples:
- Māori Bible (1837–39)
- Hawaiian Bible (1830s)
- Cherokee New Testament (1850s)
- Inuit, Welsh, Gaelic, and early American Native translations
Why collect:
These editions are culturally significant and often produced in small, scarce print runs.
5. The 1762 & 1769 Cambridge Standard Text KJV
Why collect:
These editions established the standardized King James Version text still used today.
Features:
- The 1762 Paris edition: highly refined typography
- The 1769 Blayney revision: basis for the modern KJV
- Key for collectors of Bible translation history
6. Early American Bibles (Late 1700s–Early 1800s)
Important examples:
- 1782 Aitken Bible — first English Bible printed in America
- 1791 Isaac Collins Bible
- 1791 Isaiah Thomas Bible — beautifully illustrated
Why collect:
Revolutionary-era Americana, often extremely scarce.
7. Oxford & Cambridge “Family Bibles” (1800s)
Why collect:
Huge, richly decorated, leather-bound volumes with gilt edges and engravings.
Often include:
- full-page illustrations
- maps
- genealogical pages (sometimes filled in, sometimes blank)
They display beautifully and are increasingly collected for craftsmanship.
8. Illuminated Victorian Bibles (Mid–Late 1800s)
Examples:
- The Holman Illuminated Bible
- The Doré Illustrated Bible
- Macklin’s Bible (1800 Edition, often rebound in the 19th century)
Why collect:
Stunning artwork, often oversized, with hundreds of engravings. Victorian craftsmanship is excellent and visually striking.
9. First Editions of Modern Translations (1900s–2000s)
Key modern collectibles:
- 1901 American Standard Version (ASV)
- 1946–52 Revised Standard Version (RSV) First Edition
- 1978 New International Version (NIV) First Printing
- 2001 English Standard Version (ESV) First Edition
Why collect:
These mark translation milestones and are increasingly sought after by collectors.
10. Fine Press Bibles (1900s–Today)
Top examples:
- The Doves Press Bible (1903–05) — typographic masterpiece
- The Oxford Lectern Bible (1935)
- The Lutterworth or Nonesuch Press Bibles
- Limited editions by Folio Society, Easton Press, and Rizzoli
- The Saint John’s Bible (2000–2011) — modern illuminated masterpiece
Why collect:
Exceptional craftsmanship, artistic printing, limited production runs.
Recommended “Core” Collection for 1700+
If you want a curated list of the top collectible Bibles from 1700 onward, start with these:
- 1717 Vinegar Bible
- 1743 Baskett Bible
- 1762/1769 Cambridge Standard Text KJV
- 1782 Aitken Bible (first American Bible)
- Doré Illustrated Bible (19th-century edition)
- Doves Press Bible (1903–1905)
- First Editions of RSV, NIV, or ESV
- A Victorian Family Bible in fine leather binding