Historic U.S. Constitution Copy Fetches $9 Million at North Carolina Auction
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — In a remarkable display of history and value, a rare 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution was sold at auction for an astounding $9 million on Thursday evening. This document, believed to be the only privately owned copy of its kind, was auctioned off by Brunk Auctions, witnessing a bidding war that lasted just over seven minutes.
A Historic Testament to Democracy
The Constitution, which played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s government, was printed after the Constitutional Convention wrapped up in 1787. It was sent to the first Congress, requesting its distribution to the states for ratification by the people, thus marking a significant moment in American history. Andrew Brunk, the owner of the auction house, expressed his gratitude to have hosted such an item, commenting, “It’s a privilege to have it here. It’s been quite a ride.”
During the auction, bids started rolling in at $50,000 intervals, predominantly over the phone. The excitement built when the bidding reached $8.5 million, creating a palpable suspense in the room. When a bidder called in with a $9 million offer, Brunk took a moment to relish the significance of the transaction, urging onlookers to “savor it a little bit.”
Weather Delays and Fortuitous Discoveries
Interestingly, the auction was originally scheduled for September 28 but had to be postponed due to the damages caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville and the surrounding areas. The discovery of this particular copy is as fascinating as its auction price. Two years back, while cleaning out a property once owned by North Carolina Governor Samuel Johnston, who played a role in the ratification of the Constitution, the document was found tucked away inside a neglected metal filing cabinet. The cabinet was in a room cluttered with old chairs and dusty books, making its revelation all the more stunning.
A Piece with a Story to Tell
This particular copy is one of about 100 printed by Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Congress back in 1787. Of these, only eight copies still exist today, with the others being publicly owned. Thomson likely signed two copies for each of the 13 original states, certifying their authenticity. However, the journey of this specific document from its signing until now remains somewhat mysterious, adding to its intrigue.
Alongside the Constitution, other valuable items featured at the auction included a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation, which fetched $1 million, and a 1788 Journal of the Convention of North Carolina, sold for $85,000. While auction officials were uncertain about the estimated value of the Constitution—given the rarity of such comparisons—the last known sale of a similar document was a mere $400 back in 1891.
A Record-Setting Precedent
The excitement surrounding this auction is further amplified when one considers the previous records. In 2021, a different copy of the Constitution, one of only 14 remaining printed for the Continental Congress, sold for an eye-popping $43.2 million, setting a world record for books and documents. It seems that the allure of our nation’s founding documents continues to grow, capturing the imagination and interest of collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
As the smoke clears from this historic auction, one thing is certain—the 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution that sold for $9 million is not just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to the enduring power of democracy and the rich tapestry of history that has shaped the United States.
