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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A first edition Book of Mormon left for years in a box in barn will be sold at auction March 22.
The rare edition is owned by an antique dealer who purchased several leather-bound books and put them in an upstate New York barn before discovering the valuable text.
Swann Auction Galleries in New York City will sell the book and a first edition Mormon hymnal, among other items.
The Book of Mormon is expected to sell for $70,000 to $90,000, and the hymnal from $30,000 to $40,000, according to the auction house.
The 1830 Book of Mormon appears to be signed by Orson Pratt, an early apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
An inscription by its owner, Denison Root, indicates the book was a gift from Hyrum Smith, brother of church founder Joseph Smith.
Information from: Deseret Morning News
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
