Historic 1787 U.S. Constitution Copy Goes Under the Hammer in NC

Gavel on U.S. Constitution with American flag background.

A rare 1787 U.S. Constitution copy, discovered in a North Carolina drawer, is set to fetch millions at auction, offering a unique glimpse into America’s founding era.

At a Glance

  • An extremely rare signed ratification copy of the U.S. Constitution was found in a North Carolina drawer in 2022
  • The document includes a cover letter from George Washington emphasizing the importance of compromise
  • Set to be auctioned on September 28 at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina, with an opening bid of $1 million
  • One of only eight known copies and the sole one presumed in private possession
  • Found at Hayes Farm, once owned by Samuel Johnston, North Carolina’s governor during the ratification era

A Historic Discovery

In a remarkable turn of events, an extremely rare signed ratification copy of the U.S. Constitution was discovered in a North Carolina drawer in 2022. This extraordinary find has sent ripples through the world of historical artifacts and constitutional scholars alike. The document, one of only eight known copies and potentially the only one in private hands, offers an unparalleled connection to America’s founding era.

The discovery was made by Ken Farmer, an antiques appraiser, who stumbled upon the document in a dusty file cabinet within an old mansion. “I’ve never found anything this exciting,” Farmer remarked, underscoring the significance of this historical treasure. The document’s authenticity was further confirmed by the signature of Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress during the Constitutional Convention.

A Piece of American History

This particular copy of the Constitution is believed to be from a smaller print run of just 100 copies, making it even rarer than other known versions. It was found at Hayes Farm, once owned by Samuel Johnston, North Carolina’s governor during the critical years of ratification. This provenance adds an extra layer of historical significance to the document, directly linking it to a key figure in the state’s ratification process.

“This is the point of connection between government and people, and it’s the moment when the idea of ‘we the people’ really takes hold,” auctioneer Andrew Brunk said of the document, adding: “This is the moment the government is asking the people to empower the government and create, you know, the essential government, but it’s the will of the people that you know they’re waiting for it. That’s what this document captures.”

The Constitution copy includes a cover letter from George Washington, emphasizing the importance of compromise in governance. Washington wrote, “To secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each and yet provide for the interest and safety for all—individuals entering into society must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest.” This profound statement underscores the delicate balance the Founding Fathers sought to achieve in crafting the nation’s governing document.

The Auction and Its Significance

The document is set to be auctioned on September 28 at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina. With an opening minimum bid of $1 million, experts anticipate it could fetch tens of millions of dollars. This high valuation reflects not only the document’s rarity but also its immense historical importance.

“I think it’s really neat and extraordinary a copy has been found,” said Michael J. Gerhardt, a law professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with expertise in the history of the U.S. Constitution.

The auction will also feature other significant historical items, including a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation and a 1788 Journal of the Convention of North Carolina. These additional pieces provide context to the tumultuous period of America’s early years and the ongoing process of nation-building.

As the auction approaches, historians, collectors, and patriotic Americans alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness—and perhaps own—a piece of the foundation upon which our nation was built. This rare Constitution copy serves as a tangible link to the ideals and compromises that shaped the United States, reminding us of the enduring power of “We the People” in American democracy.

Sources:

  1. https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/2024/09/17/u-s-constitution-hidden-in-a-drawer-for-ages-could-fetch-millions/75187524007/
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rare-copy-us-constitution-auction-north-carolina/
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/24/us/us-constitution-copy-auction.html