How do you know if my Gutenberg Bible is genuine?

Answer 1

It is almost certain that it isn't. However, if it IS genuine it would be worth a fortune.

The only sure way to know is to obtain expert advice from an auction house representative that will usually give a free valuation for any antique or collectable, provided it is your intention that you sell it through the auction house (although most professional acution houses will never insist that you do after a valuation).

I am unaware of the large auction houses in the US, Canada or Austraila, but if you are in the UK, then I suggest that you Google Southeby's, Christie's or Bonhams. Contact them and they will be only too glad to help. They will have internationally renowned document and book experts on their staff, and so you can be sure that any comments by them will be genuine.

If The Bible is genuine, then they will give advice on insurance if you decide to keep it, or on the likely value, if you decide to sell. Don't forget, though, that any auction house will charge commission (typically 15-20%) on any sale, which sounds a lot, but it is also an incentive for an auctioneer to achieve the highest price possible for you, for the more you make on the item, the larger his commission will be too.