Seth Kaller, a historical document appraiser and collector, is preparing to auction off a rare copy of the U.S. Constitution, which is believed to be the only one of its type in private hands. This particular copy was printed in 1787 after the Constitutional Convention had finished drafting the framework of the nation’s government. Only about 100 copies were printed by Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Congress of the Articles of Confederation, and this copy is one of the eight that still exist today. The document represents a key moment in history where the government is asking the people to empower them, as evidenced by the opening words of the Constitution: “WE, the People…”
The auction listing reveals that the minimum bid for this rare copy of the U.S. Constitution is $1 million, though there is no specific minimum price that must be reached during the auction. The document was discovered in a property in Edenton, North Carolina, that belonged to Samuel Johnston, former governor of the state. It was found inside a filing cabinet in a neglected room alongside a letter from George Washington, in which he discusses the need for compromise and the sacrifice of certain state rights for the nation’s long-term well-being. The copy is on a broad sheet that could be folded once like a book, making it a significant historical find.
Andrew Brunk, the auctioneer handling the sale, acknowledges the rarity and importance of this document, stating that there is little precedent to determine the potential selling price. The last time a similar copy of the Constitution was sold was in 1891 for $400, but the unique nature of this particular copy may lead to a higher price. The document, which was intended to be distributed to leaders in every state for review and ratification, connects the writers of the Constitution to the people who would grant it power and legitimacy. The auction listing does not identify the seller but states that the document is part of a private collection.
Alongside the U.S. Constitution, other historical documents are also up for auction in Asheville, including a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation and a 1788 Journal of the Convention of North Carolina at Hillsborough. These items provide further insights into the debates and discussions surrounding the ratification of the Constitution and the balance of power between the nation and the states. The upcoming sale presents a unique opportunity for collectors and history enthusiasts to acquire a piece of American history that played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s government and its relationship with the people. With its rarity and significance, this copy of the Constitution is expected to attract considerable interest and potentially set a new record for historical document sales.
