A rare 1787 copy of the United States Constitution sold for over $11 million at a live auction in Asheville, North Carolina, despite an initial delay due to Hurricane Helene.
The auction, hosted by Brunk Auctions, culminated in a final bid of $9 million, not including a 23% buyer’s premium and applicable taxes. The buyer’s identity remains confidential.
Bidding started at $1.1 million and rapidly escalated, reaching the final amount in just seven minutes with 62 bids. The document in American history originated from the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where delegates convened to overhaul the inadequate Articles of Confederation. This meeting ultimately produced a new constitution introducing a structured federal government with checks and balances.
Nancy Zander, director of external affairs for Brunk Auctions, called the sale price “spectacular,” highlighting the significance of strong valuations for important historical items.
Two years ago, someone discovered this particular copy of the Constitution in a filing cabinet at Hayes Farm in Edenton, North Carolina, which belonged to Samuel Johnston, the governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789. This copy is one of the estimated 100 original copies, with only eight or nine still existing.
At the same auction, other items found buyers, including a painting depicting George Washington crossing the Delaware River, which fetched over $307,000, and a copy of the Articles of Confederation, which sold for over $1.2 million.
Seth Kaller, a historical document expert present at the auction, mentioned that although the sale did not reach the record-setting $43 million achieved in 2021 for a similar Constitution copy, the result matched expectations given the current market conditions. Kaller also represented a bidder at this auction.
Originally planned for September 28, Hurricane Helene postponed the auction. Despite these challenges and the reduced number of attendees, a strong spirit of appreciation persisted, with many participants placing bids over the phone.
