Rare copy of U.S. Constitution goes up for auction

Sotheby’s is selling one of only two known copies of the official edition of the constitution, the first printing of the final text of the Constitution.

The manuscript will come to auction for the first time in New York on December 13, with an estimate of $20/30 million.

“I think anyone that has an appreciation of American history, you don’t have to be into books and manuscripts. I mean, this is one of the three foundational documents of our democracy. So when you hold it in your hands, it’s it’s a moment you’re going to charge,” said Richard Austin, Head of Books & Manuscripts department at Sotheby’s.

In November 2021 Sotheby’s sold another copy official first printing of the Constitution for $43.2 million, establishing a new record for any historical document, manuscript, or printed text sold at auction.

Sotheby’s plans to put official edition of the constitution on public view in its New York headquarters.