The 1615 Geneva Bible was traced to a museum in Leiden, the Netherlands after it vanished from the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones said: "This bible is more than a piece of evidence in a case. It is a priceless artefact of religious significance to people of many faiths."
The text is among hundreds of rare books and other items stolen by the library's archivist during a series of thefts spanning two decades, prosecutors have claimed.
#FBI Pittsburgh returned a bible stolen from the Carnegie Library in the 1990's to the DA's office today. SAC Jones: "This bible is more than a piece of evidence in a case. It is a priceless artifact of religious significance to people of many faiths." pic.twitter.com/ImPwesHnGP
— FBI Pittsburgh (@FBIPittsburgh) April 25, 2019
It is unclear whether 62 year old Gregory Priore will plead guilty or not guilty to numerous counts of theft, conspiracy and other charges.
Mr Priore, and a 55 year old book dealer who denies similar charges, are awaiting trial.
It is believed English Protestant exiles living in Geneva during the reign of staunchly Roman Catholic monarch Queen Mary Tudor translated the bible.
Mr Jones told journalists during an FBI press conference that the bible - valued at $5,500 - is similar to one transported to North America by the Pilgrims in 1620.
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