Two years after the discovery of the only known private copy of the U.S. Constitution printed by Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, the document was recently sold for a staggering $9 million at an auction in North Carolina. The 237-year-old document had been tucked away in a filing cabinet in a North Carolina home for years, hidden underneath a can of stain in a long-forgotten storage room. The home in Edenton, North Carolina, once belonged to Samuel Johnston, the state’s governor from 1787 to 1789.
Thomson printed approximately 100 copies of the Constitution during the Continental Congress’ existence, and only eight copies are known to still exist, with seven of them in public ownership. The auctioneer, Andrew Brunk of Brunk Auctions, emphasized the significance of the Constitution as a connection between the government and the people, particularly highlighting the iconic opening words, “We the People.”
The auction itself was a swift affair, lasting just seven minutes before reaching the final bid of $9 million, with most bids coming in $500,000 increments over the phone. Historical document appraiser Seth Kaller expressed the rarity and importance of such a find, stating that it goes beyond the usual replicas that are often mistaken for significant historical documents.
The delayed auction, originally scheduled for late September but postponed due to Hurricane Helene, finally took place, showcasing the historical value of the Constitution printed in 1787 after the Constitutional Convention. This pivotal document laid the foundation for America’s government and was sent to Congress for ratification by the states.
The sale of this rare copy of the U.S. Constitution serves as a reminder of the historical significance and enduring importance of this foundational document in American history. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Constitution and its role in shaping the nation. The $9 million price tag reflects not just the paper and ink, but the values and principles that have guided the United States for over two centuries.