Rare 1787 US Constitution Copy Up for Auction; Starting Bid at USD 1 Million

Seth Kaller, a historical document appraiser and collector, carefully spreads a broad sheet of paper across a desk. Despite being nearly 237 years old, the document is in good enough condition to be handled with clean, bare hands. It has only a few creases and minor discolorations.

At the top of the first page are the familiar words "WE, the People," but in regular type instead of the usual sweeping Gothic script. This copy of the US Constitution, believed to be the only one of its kind in private hands, will be auctioned by Brunk Auctions on September 28 in Asheville, North Carolina. The minimum bid is set at USD 1 million.

Historical Significance

This particular copy was printed after the Constitutional Convention approved the proposed framework of the nation's government in 1787. It was ratified by Congress under the Articles of Confederation. Charles Thomson, the secretary of that Congress, printed about 100 copies. Only eight are known to still exist, with seven being publicly owned.

Thomson likely signed two copies for each of the original 13 states. These were sent to special ratifying conventions where representatives debated for months before accepting the structure of the United States government that continues today. "This is the point of connection between the government and the people," said auctioneer Andrew Brunk.

Discovery and Condition

The document's whereabouts between Thomson's signature and 2022 remain unknown. Two years ago, it was found in Edenton, North Carolina, inside a metal filing cabinet during a property clearance. The property once belonged to Samuel Johnston, who was North Carolina's governor from 1787 to 1789 and oversaw the state convention that ratified the Constitution.

The document was discovered in a neglected room filled with old furniture and books before the house was preserved. It is a broad sheet that could be folded once like a book. "I get calls every week from people who think they have a Declaration of Independence or a Gettysburg Address," said Kaller. "Most of the time it is just a replica, but every so often something important gets found."

Additional Auction Items

Other items up for auction include a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation and a 1788 Journal from the North Carolina Convention at Hillsborough. Representatives spent two weeks debating whether ratifying the Constitution would centralise too much power at the national level.

Alongside the Constitution on this broad sheet is a letter from George Washington asking for ratification. He acknowledged that compromises would be necessary and that states would need to give up some rights for national unity. "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," wrote Washington.

The last known sale of such a document was in 1891 for USD 400. In contrast, Sotheby's New York sold one of only 13 remaining copies printed for internal use by the Continental Congress for USD 43.2 million in 2021. However, this copy being auctioned was meant for public review and decision-making.

"This is a whole other level of importance," Kaller added. The auction will provide an opportunity for collectors and historians to own a significant piece of American history.

The upcoming auction offers a rare chance to acquire this unique piece connecting America's foundational moments with its citizens' empowerment.