Two years after the only known private copy of the U.S. Constitution printed by Charles Thomson was found in a filing cabinet in a North Carolina home, the document was sold for $9 million at auction. The 237-year-old document had been collecting dust in a metal filing cabinet underneath a can of stain in a storage room inside the home of Samuel Johnston, the state’s governor from 1787 to 1789. Only eight copies of the Constitution printed by Thomson are known to still exist, with seven of them in public ownership. The auctioneer, Andrew Brunk, emphasized the significance of the Preamble, stating that it is the moment when the government asks the people to empower them.
The sale of the document took just seven minutes to reach the final $9 million bid, with most bids coming over the phone in $500,000 increments. Historical document appraiser Seth Kaller noted the importance of finding such rare documents, stating that this particular Constitution is on a whole other level of importance. The document was supposed to be auctioned in late September but was delayed until Thursday because of Hurricane Helene. Brunk expressed his privilege in having the document at the auction and described the process as quite a ride.
The U.S. Constitution was printed by Thomson in 1787 after the Constitutional Convention, during which the framework of the Constitution and America’s government was drafted. It was then sent to Congress for ratification by the states. The discovery of this private copy sheds light on the history of the document and reinforces the significance of connecting the government with the people. It is a valuable piece of American history that provides insight into the foundation of the nation’s government structure.
The find of the private copy of the U.S. Constitution highlights the importance of preserving historical documents. The fact that it was found in a filing cabinet in a home that once belonged to a notable figure in American history adds to its significance. The rarity of Thomson’s printed copies of the Constitution underscores the treasure that such documents are to historians and collectors alike. The swift sale and high bid amount reflect the document’s importance and value.
The auction of the private copy of the U.S. Constitution serves as a reminder of the enduring impact and relevance of the document. The Constitution continues to be a cornerstone of American democracy, shaping the laws and principles that govern the nation. Its discovery and subsequent sale for $9 million reinforce its historical and cultural significance. The document serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Founding Fathers and their vision for a democratic government in the United States.
In conclusion, the sale of the private copy of the U.S. Constitution printed by Charles Thomson for $9 million at auction underscores the document’s historical and cultural significance. The rarity of such copies emphasizes the importance of preserving historical documents for future generations. The swift sale and high bid amount reflect the document’s value and impact on American history. The Constitution remains a cornerstone of American democracy, shaping the nation’s government structure and laws. Its discovery in a filing cabinet in a North Carolina home sheds light on its history and reinforces its enduring relevance.
