EDENTON, N.C. (WITN) – A rare copy of the U.S. Constitution that has been missing for centuries was found in Eastern Carolina and is now planning to be auctioned.
A roughy 237-year-old rare copy of the Constitution, considered one of the most important, if not the most important documents in history, has been missing for centuries until it was found at the Hayes Farm Plantation home in Edenton.
According to those familiar with the documents process – “We the people,” were the first words read off a rare copy of the U.S. Constitution that has been missing for hundreds of years. According to Andrew Brunk with Brunk Auctions, those responsible for selling it, the family living in the home at the time were getting ready to move back in 2022. As they were cleaning, they found the documednt in an old, dusty and stained two-drawer filing cabinet.
“It’s an incredible discovery. There is no two ways about it and it is sort of a dream for those in the art and antiques world,” Brunk said.
According to Brunk, the property was once owned by Samuel Johnston, the governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789. According to Seth Kaller Inc. president Seth Kaller, it took two years but was finally authenticated as the real deal.
“The idea that we could get one of these ratification copies I mean 1891 was the last time one was on the market. The idea that one was sitting there, had not been found – I never imagined I would have the opportunity to work on this,” Kaller said.
The copy is now in the hands of Brunk Auctions, set with a minimum bid of one million dollars. The auctioning starts September 28th in Asheville.
“The copy we have is rarer and arguably more important – how it will fare in the marketplace is an open question,” Brunk said.
According to Brunk, it’s one of nearly 100 copies printed by the secretary of Congress at the time, Charles Thomson. Just eight are known to still exist and the other seven are publicly owned. That’s why Edenton native Anne Rowe was so shocked.
“To find a copy of the constitution just recently is like oh my goodness what else is there?” Rowe said.
According to Brunk, the last time a copy of the Constitution like this sold was for $400 in 1891.
The auction listing does not identify the seller, saying it is now a part of a collection that is in private hands.
The copy was on display Friday, Sept. 13th from 1-4:30 at the Federal Hall National Memorial in New York before making its way back to Asheville for the September 28th auction.
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Publish date : 2024-09-13 10:59:00
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