Historic U.S. Constitution Copy Goes Up for Auction in North Carolina

A rare and invaluable copy of the U.S. Constitution, printed 237 years ago and sent to the states for ratification, is being auctioned this Thursday evening by Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina. This particular copy, believed to be the only one in private hands, has already attracted a minimum bid of $1 million. Although no specific minimum price must be reached, the excitement around this historic document has drawn significant attention from collectors and historians alike.

Unique Piece of American History
This copy was printed in 1787, shortly after the Constitutional Convention completed its draft of the proposed framework for the nation’s government, intended to replace the Articles of Confederation. It was then sent to Congress under the Articles and distributed to the states for ratification by the people.

The Constitution up for auction is one of approximately 100 copies printed by Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress, for the original 13 states. Only eight copies are known to exist today, with the other seven held by public institutions. This makes the auctioned document an exceptional opportunity for private ownership of such a critical piece of American history.

A Mysterious Discovery
What happened to the document between its printing in 1787 and its rediscovery in 2022 remains unknown. The document was found during the clearing of a property in Edenton, North Carolina, once owned by Samuel Johnston, who served as governor of the state from 1787 to 1789. Johnston had presided over the North Carolina convention that eventually ratified the Constitution. The broadsheet, along with a letter from George Washington urging ratification, was discovered inside a neglected metal filing cabinet in a long-forgotten room cluttered with old furniture and dusty bookshelves.

Washington’s letter, printed alongside the Constitution on the broadsheet, called for compromise, acknowledging that states would need to surrender some rights for the benefit of the nation’s long-term stability.

Uncertain Auction Value
Auction officials remain uncertain about the document’s final sale price due to the scarcity of comparable sales. The last known sale of a similar copy occurred in 1891, fetching only $400. In contrast, Sotheby’s sold one of the 14 remaining copies of the Constitution printed for the Continental Congress in 2021 for $43.2 million, setting a record for any book or document.

Other Historic Items on the Auction Block
Besides the Constitution, Brunk Auctions will feature other significant historical items, including a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation and a 1788 Journal from North Carolina’s Convention at Hillsborough. The journal provides valuable insight into the weeks-long debates where representatives discussed the balance of power between states and the federal government, crucial in shaping the early framework of American governance.

Auction Delayed by Hurricane
Originally scheduled for September 28, the auction was delayed due to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which devastated Asheville and surrounding areas.

With such historic items on the auction block, this event is expected to be a landmark moment for collectors and history enthusiasts. The auction could potentially set new records and reshape our understanding of early American history.