Relics and Roots: The Journey of Mormon Antiques
From pioneer-era keepsakes to rare first editions of the Book of Mormon, Mormon antiques offer collectors a window into faith, history, and one of America’s most distinctive collecting niches.
When the followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began their westward migration from Nauvoo, Illinois, and surrounding areas to the then-territory of Utah in the 1840s, a rich tradition of material culture was also carried on those wagon trains. What were then essential items for the pioneers—religious records and books alongside household and everyday goods—have become over the centuries some of the first examples of Mormon antiques.
The Mormon antique market is a specialized genre within the religious antique industry. Spanning multiple cultures, eras, and lands, the sale of religious antiques garners over a billion dollars a year and is an extremely diverse field in terms of objects and prices.
Within this massive industry are Mormon antiques. A uniquely American field of collecting, it is also quite diverse in subject and size. Some of the most important historical items are known as “Mormon Treasures” (including Lucy Mack Smith’s gold bead, Brigham Young’s spyglass, and the original Book of Mormon manuscript) that are held in the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, which is owned and run by the Mormon church.
Outside of the religious institution, antiques are also bought by collectors. The majority of buyers of Mormon antiques, as presumed, identify as Mormon, although non-Mormon and secular buyers also hold a presence in the market. The appeal for collectors lies in the religion’s unique, multifaceted identity. The antiques illustrate the inner workings of and artistic influence on Mormon life, alongside the westward movement of pioneers and the development of Utah as a state. For many, it is a way to learn about one’s family and cultural history. “People seem to have a larger appreciation of their heritage. And they appreciate beauty and value,” explains antique store owner Jonathan Sweet in a 1998 article for Deseret News.
This industry’s rise has spurred multiple retailers specializing in Mormon antiques, ranging from brick-and-mortar stores to online sellers on eBay and Etsy. One of the most prominent collectors in the field is Brent F. Ashworth. A historical document dealer by trade and owner of B. Ashworth’s in Provo, Utah, Ashworth has spent over 45 years collecting Mormon memorabilia, which is said to number in the millions. He has been involved in forming and donating to some of the most prominent collections of Mormon collectibles, including thousands of items to the Church History Library.
Another popular shopping locale is Ken Sanders Rare Books in Salt Lake City, which offers rare and collectible books. The company was founded by acclaimed rare book dealer Ken Sanders, who is widely known for his appearances on Antiques Roadshow.
Some of the highest earners on the market are antique books and scriptures from the early years of the church, such as early editions of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A 2025 sale of an 1830 first edition of the Book of Mormon broke records, with the copy selling for $240,000 at Potter & Potter Auctions. “There’s never a copy (1830 first edition) just sitting out there on somebody’s website waiting to be sold. I literally have dozens of people on a waiting list waiting for a copy,” says Moon’s Rare Books owner Reid Moon in a 2025 article for Deseret News. “I would not be surprised to see a first-edition copy of the Book of Mormon sell for $1 million in the next 10 years.”
Discover More Uniquely American Collectibles:
