NNothing brings history to life quite like the discovery of a historical document. In this case, a rare copy of the US Constitution from 1787 was discovered in a North Carolina home. cover letter from George Washington is also included with the letter. This document going to auction is considered to be the only one of its kind in private hands.
A Historical Treasure Unearthed
In a remarkable discovery that has sent ripples through the historical community, an extremely rare signed ratification copy of the U.S. Constitution from 1787 was found in a North Carolina drawer in 2022. This document, one of only eight known to exist, is the only copy believed to be in private hands, making it an extraordinary find for both historians and collectors.
The document was discovered at Hayes Farm, once owned by Samuel Johnston, North Carolina’s governor during the critical years of ratification. This connection adds a layer of historical significance to the already priceless artifact. Ken Farmer, an antiques appraiser, stumbled upon the document in a dusty file cabinet in an old mansion, unaware of the treasure he had just uncovered.
A rare 1787 original copy of the U.S. Constitution, one of only eight remaining, is set to auction this month in North Carolina. It has a minimum bid of $1 million but is expected to fetch much more. pic.twitter.com/8ttMTw3LzT
— CBS Saturday Morning (@cbssaturday) September 7, 2024
A Glimpse into America’s Founding
What makes this copy particularly special is its inclusion of a cover letter from George Washington, emphasizing the importance of compromise in governance. The letter states, “It is obviously impracticable in the federal government of these states to secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each and yet provide for the interests and safety of all.”
This rare copy is from a smaller print run of 100 copies, making it even more scarce than other known copies. It bears the signature of Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Confederation Congress, further authenticating its historical value.
A rare copy of the U.S. Constitution that was signed and sent to states to ratify is up for auction later this month in North Carolina.
The document was found inside a filing cabinet at a property once owned by a former North Carolina governor.https://t.co/xazytqzhqq
— WUNC (@wunc) September 6, 2024
The Auction Event
The document is set to be auctioned on September 28 at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina. The opening minimum bid is set at $1 million, but experts anticipate it could fetch upwards of $20 million. This estimate is based on the sale of a similar copy in 2021, which sold for a staggering $43.2 million.
“This is the point of connection between government and people, and it’s the moment when the idea of ‘we the people’ really takes hold,” auctioneer Andrew Brunk said of the document.
The auction will also feature other historical treasures, including a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation, believed to have been owned by Joseph Hewes, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, a 1788 Journal of the Convention of North Carolina and a reproduction of Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s painting “Washington Crossing the Delaware” will be up for bidding.
A Testament to American History
The discovery and upcoming auction of this rare Constitution copy serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of America’s founding documents. Michael J. Gerhardt, a law professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with expertise in the history of the U.S. Constitution, emphasized the document’s significance.
“I think it’s really neat and extraordinary a copy has been found,” said Michael J. Gerhardt, a law professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an expertise in the history of the U.S. Constitution.
As the auction date approaches, historians, collectors, and patriotic Americans alike eagerly await the outcome, recognizing that this rare document represents not just a piece of paper, but a tangible link to the very foundation of American democracy.
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