Crosby-Schoyen Codex
The Crosby-Schoyen Codex is one of the earliest extant papyrus codices of the Bible, dating back to about A.D. 250 as confirmed by carbon dating and other analysis.[1] Indeed, this is one of the oldest books on any topic, and the oldest that is in private ownership as of 2024.
This includes the oldest complete copy of 1 Peter. It also contains Jonah and 2 Maccabees 5:27 - 7:41. This manuscript was discovered in 1950 as part of the Bodmer Papyri.
| “ | The Crosby-Schøyen Codex, which was written in Coptic on papyrus in Egypt, is the earliest Christian liturgical book, according to the international auction house Christie’s, which will be holding the sale in London on June 11.
A single scribe is said to have written the codex, which is made up of 52 leaves - or 104 pages - over a period of 40 years at a monastery in upper Egypt.[2] |
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This is expected to sell for between $2.6 and $3.8 million at its June 11, 2024 auction by Christie's. Potential buyers include institutions like the Bible Museum in D.C. and wealthy individuals.