A first edition copy of The Book of Mormon has sold for $57,500 at Swann Auction Galleries in New York.
The lot led a September 18 sale of Americana.
 The Book of Mormon launched the Mormon Church in 1830 |
Published in 1830, the book led to the establishment of the Mormon Church. Today, it boasts 14m members worldwide.
The first edition differs from later versions of the book as it lists founder Joseph Smith as "author and proprietor".
In later editions he is described as "translator", in reference to his claim that the words are transcribed from a set of golden plates shown to him by an angel named Moroni.
The record for a copy of the book stands at $180,000, set in a 2007 sale.
A second edition printing of George Washington's journal from a 1753 diplomatic visit to Ohio sold for $45,000.
Washington made the journey to speak with the commander of the French forces that had taken over the region.
It includes a map of his route.
The auction house comments: "This was Washington's first publication, and his first real appearance on the public stage.
"The journal remains a classic frontier account, and would be a worthy read even if written by Major George Nobody."
Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about books and manuscripts auctions.
