Historical document appraiser and collector Seth Kaller has in his possession a copy of the U.S. Constitution that is nearly 237 years old. The copy is unique as it is the only one of its kind believed to be in private hands. This copy of the Constitution will be up for auction at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina on September 28. The minimum bid for the auction is $1 million, but there is no minimum price that needs to be reached.
The copy of the Constitution was printed after the Constitutional Convention had finished drafting the proposed framework of the nation’s government in 1787. It was sent to the Congress of the ineffective first American government under the Articles of Confederation, requesting that it be sent to the states for ratification by the people. This particular copy was one of about 100 printed by the secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson. Of the original 13 states, two copies signed by Thomson were likely sent to each state for ratification.
The document up for auction belonged to Samuel Johnston, the governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789. It was found two years ago in a property being cleared out in Edenton, North Carolina, that was once owned by Johnston. The copy was discovered in a metal filing cabinet in a room full of old chairs and dusty bookcases. Along with the Constitution, there is a letter from George Washington asking for ratification and acknowledging the need for compromise between states to secure the nation’s long-term health.
The auctioneer, Andrew Brunk, describes this document as a critical point of connection between the government and the people. The Preamble of the Constitution, stating “we the people,” signifies the moment the government seeks empowerment from the people. There is little precedent to determine the potential sale price of this historic document. The last time a similar copy of the Constitution sold was in 1891 for $400. However, in 2021, a copy sold for $43.2 million at Sotheby’s in New York. This indicates the significant value that rare historical documents can have.
The auction listing does not reveal the identity of the seller of this significant piece of American history. The document, along with other historical items, is part of a private collection. In addition to the Constitution, items up for auction include a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation and a 1788 Journal of the Convention of North Carolina at Hillsborough. These documents provide insight into the debates and discussions that took place during the formation and ratification of the Constitution, shedding light on the history of the United States.
Overall, the upcoming auction of a unique private copy of the U.S. Constitution represents a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of American history. This document, once owned by a prominent historical figure like Samuel Johnston, connects the past with the present, offering insight into the critical moments of the nation’s founding. Its sale will bring the relationship between the government and the people to the forefront, showcasing the power and significance of historical artifacts in preserving the narrative of the United States’ foundational principles.
