Rare U.S. Constitution Copy Fetches $9 Million at Asheville Auction
Asheville, N.C. was the center of excitement recently when a truly rare copy of the U.S. Constitution was sold for a staggering $9 million at a private auction. This particular document, printed 237 years ago, holds immense historical significance as it was one of the copies sent to the states for ratification. The auction took place at Brunk Auctions, where the document captivated bidders, showcasing the value placed on U.S. history.
A Historic Moment
The thrilling auction unfolded over a brisk seven minutes, featuring bids that were primarily placed over the phone. The bidding started at $50,000 and quickly escalated, leading to a temporary pause when the bids reached $8.5 million. Then, with bated breath, participants witnessed a bidder over the phone raise the stakes to an impressive $9 million. Auctioneer Andrew Brunk, who also owns the document, expressed palpable excitement as the bidding drew to a close, saying, “Just another second or two. Savor it a little bit selling here at nine million.”
The Journey of a Historic Document
This particular copy of the Constitution was printed right after the Constitution Convention wrapped up its drafting process in 1787. It was sent to the Congress operating under the Articles of Confederation, urging it to be ratified by the states. Only about 100 copies were printed at that time by Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Congress, and today, only eight known copies exist—with the rest held in public collections.
The auctioned document is accompanied by a letter from none other than George Washington, in which he recognized the need for compromise among states and acknowledged that certain local powers would have to be sacrificed for the greater good of the nation.
Unexpected Discovery
What makes this auction even more extraordinary is how this particular document was discovered. It remained hidden in a two-drawer metal filing cabinet in Edenton, North Carolina, buried under dust and clutter until a property clean-up occurred two years ago. The cabinet was located in a long-forgotten room within a house that belonged to Samuel Johnston, North Carolina’s governor from 1787 to 1789. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the state convention that resulted in the ratification of the Constitution.
Other Significant Sales
But the excitement didn’t end with the Constitution. The auction also featured other historical documents, including a watermarked 1776 draft of the Articles of Confederation, which sold for a handsome $1 million. Additionally, a journal from the 1788 North Carolina Convention, where the hotly debated topic of federal vs. state power was discussed, was purchased for $85,000.
Historical Context
Interestingly, auction officials were somewhat uncertain about how much the Constitution copy would fetch, given its rarity. It’s important to note that the last similar document sold in 1891 went for only $400, indicating just how much the value of historical artifacts has surged over the years.
In contrast, back in 2021, a remarkable sale took place when one of only 14 remaining copies of the Constitution, printed for the Continental Congress, was sold for a jaw-dropping $43.2 million, setting a record for a book or document. Such figures reflect an increasing interest and investment in U.S. history as collectors and historians alike seek tangible connections to the nation’s formative years.
Conclusion
As the dust settles from this recent auction in Asheville, it serves as a vivid reminder of the deep historical roots of the United States and the lengths to which individuals will go to own a piece of that legacy. The $9 million sale has not only added another fascinating chapter to the story of the Constitution but has also ignited interest and discussion around American history and its significant documents.
