Rare First-Edition Copy Of US Constitution From 1787 Heads To Auction
Image via Sotheby’s
An extraordinary, first-edition copy of the US Constitution will go under the hammer at the end of the year, Sotheby’s announced.
In November, this copy—just one of 11 surviving—will go to the highest bidder. It is currently the only copy that still remains with a private owner. The 1787 document is slated to go for between US$15 million and US$20 million.
“This is the final text. The debate on what the Constitution would say was over with this document,” said Selby Kiffer, an international senior specialist at Sotheby’s Books and Manuscripts Department.
“It didn’t take effect until it had been debated and ratified. So this was the first step in the process of us living now under this 234-year-old document,” he explained.
Alongside the Constitution, 80 other related documents will also be placed up for auction. Those who wish to get a glimpse of the nation’s history up close can check out upcoming viewings in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas before the items are auctioned off.
According to Bloomberg, proceeds from the collection will go towards The Dorothy Tapper Goldman Foundation, which aims to help citizens understand the power of democracy and how they can make a difference.
[via Bloomberg, cover image via Sotheby’s]
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