In a remarkable turn of events, a rare copy of the US Constitution printed in 1787 has surfaced and is now headed to auction in North Carolina. This extraordinary document, one of only eight known to still exist, is expected to fetch millions when it goes under the hammer at Brunk Auctions in Asheville on Thursday evening.
A Constitution’s Journey: From Ratification to Rediscovery
The copy up for auction has a fascinating history. Printed after the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the proposed framework for the nation’s government, it was sent to the Congress of the articles of confederation, requesting they send it to the states for ratification. Charles Thomson, the secretary of that Congress, likely signed two copies for each of the original 13 states as a form of certification.
Fast forward to 2022, and the document was discovered in a long-neglected room of a property once owned by Samuel Johnston, the governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789. Johnston oversaw the state convention during his last year in office, where North Carolina ratified the Constitution. The copy was found inside a squat, two-drawer metal filing cabinet, nestled among old chairs and a dusty bookcase.
A Letter from George Washington
Alongside the Constitution itself, the broad sheet also features a letter from George Washington, appealing for ratification. In the letter, Washington acknowledged the need for compromise and that states would have to relinquish some of their rights for the long-term health of the nation.
What happened to the document between Thomson’s signature and its 2022 rediscovery remains a mystery, adding to its allure and historical significance.
According to a spokesperson for Brunk Auctions
Setting the Stage for a Record-Breaking Sale
Given the document’s rarity and historical importance, auction officials are unsure just how high the bidding might go. The minimum bid of $1 million has already been met, but there is no telling what the final price might be. In 2021, Sotheby’s of New York sold one of only 14 remaining copies of the Constitution printed for the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention delegates for a staggering $43.2 million, setting a record for a book or document.
In addition to the Constitution copy, the auction will also feature a first draft of the articles of confederation from 1776 and a 1788 journal of the North Carolina convention at Hillsborough, where representatives debated the merits and risks of ratifying the Constitution.
A Delayed Auction and a Nation’s Anticipation
Originally slated for September 28th, the auction was postponed due to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Helene throughout Asheville and the North Carolina mountains. Now, with the storm’s aftermath cleared, the stage is set for this exceptional piece of American history to find a new home.
As the gavel prepares to fall on Thursday evening, the nation watches with bated breath to see if this rare Constitution copy will shatter auction records and secure its place among the most valuable historical documents ever sold. One thing is certain: the lucky winner will not only own a piece of history but also a testament to the enduring legacy of the United States Constitution.
