The $3.9 Million Sale of the Ancient Crosby-Schøyen Codex Marks a New Era in Collecting Medieval Manuscripts

In the 1950s, a 1,700-year-old book known as the Crosby-Schøyen Codex was discovered in Egypt. Written in Coptic, this 104-page book has a historical significance dating back to 250–350 AD, making it one of the oldest pieces of evidence of a book as we know it today.

The codex was recently sold at an auction for $3.9 million, surpassing the expected price range of $2.6 million to $3.8 million. This marks a crucial period in history during the early years of Christianity and is considered one of the most important manuscripts ever assembled by Christie’s.

Eugenio Donadoni, Christie’s senior specialist in Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, stated that the Crosby-Schøyen Codex is “of monumental importance as a witness to the earliest spread of Christianity around the Mediterranean.” The papyrus has survived well over the years due to Egypt’s dry climate and is currently one of the world’s oldest books in private ownership.

The codex has changed hands multiple times throughout its journey from discovery to its latest auction, demonstrating the enduring value and significance of ancient manuscripts. It is well-known for containing texts such as the Old Testament Book of Jonah and the First Epistle of Peter, which are still read during Easter services today.

Overall, this sale highlights not only