A rare 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution is set to be auctioned later this month, attracting significant attention due to its historical value. The auction, scheduled for September 28 at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina, will start with a minimum bid of $1,000,000.
This particular document, marked by the opening phrase “WE, the People,” differs from the more recognizable Gothic script, presenting the foundational text in a straightforward typeface.
This copy of the Constitution is believed to be one of the few remaining privately held examples from the original batch of 100 printed in New York by John McLean for Dunlap and Claypoole of Philadelphia.
Notably, it is one of the rarer signed copies by Charles Thomson, the Secretary of Congress. Historically, only a handful of these signed copies have survived, and the last known auction of such a copy was in 1891, with its current status uncertain.
Rare 1787 U.S. Constitution Copy to Be Auctioned, Starting at $1 Million, Drawing Historic Interest
Auctioneer Andrew Brunk emphasizes the document’s significance as a historical link between the government and the populace, highlighting the importance of the Preamble’s call to empower the people. The document’s journey from Thomson’s signature to its current auction appearance is somewhat murky, adding to its allure.
The Constitution copy was recently discovered in 2022 during a property clearance in Edenton, North Carolina, which was once owned by Samuel Johnston. Johnston played a pivotal role in ratifying the Constitution as North Carolina’s governor. The document was found in a neglected room, tucked away in a metal filing cabinet under a can of stain, contributing to its surprise discovery and historical importance.
Historical document appraiser Seth Kaller notes the exceptional nature of this find, comparing its importance to other significant historical documents. Such discoveries are rare, and this particular Constitution copy is seen as a major find, reflecting its high value and historical significance in American heritage.
