Rare copy of US Constitution that went missing for centuries being auctioned for millions

Historical document appraiser and collector Seth Kaller spreads a broad sheet of paper across a desk.It’s in good enough condition that he can handle it, carefully, with clean, bare hands.

There are just a few creases and tiny discolorations, even though it’s just a few weeks shy of 237 years old and has spent who knows how long inside a filing cabinet in North Carolina.At the top of the first page are familiar words but in regular type instead of the sweeping Gothic script we’re used to seeing: “WE, the People …”And the people will get a chance to bid for this copy of the U.S.Constitution — the only of its type thought to be in private hands — at a sale by Brunk Auctions on Sept.

28 in Asheville, North Carolina.The minimum bid for the auction of $1 million has already been made.There is no minimum price that must be reached.This copy was printed after the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the proposed framework of the nation’s government in 1787 and sent it to the Congress of the ineffective first American government under the Articles of Confederation, requesting they send it to the states to be ratified by the people.It’s one of about 100 copies printed by the secretary of that Congress, Charles Thomson.

Just eight are known to still exist and the other seven are publicly owned.Thomson likely signed two copies for each of the original 13 states, essentially certifying them.They were sent to special ratifying conventions, where representatives, all white and male, wrangled 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.

The Preamble — ‘we the people’ — this is the moment the government is asking the people to empower them,” auctioneer Andrew Brunk said.Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

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