'Extremely rare' first-edition US Constitution could fetch $30 million

A copy of the first edition of the United States Constitution from 1787 could fetch up to $30 million when it is auctioned off later this year. The document, which is one of only 200 known copies in existence, is being sold by Sotheby's in New York on September 17. It is expected to be one of the most expensive items ever sold at auction.

The US Constitution

One of the most important documents in American history, the United States Constitution, is up for auction. The rare first-edition copy is expected to fetch up to $ million.

The US Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787, and became the supreme law of the land. It establishes the federal government of the United States and outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

This particular copy of the Constitution is believed to be one of only a handful of surviving first-edition copies. It is in good condition considering its age, with only a few minor tears and stains.

If you're interested in owning a piece of American history, this is your chance. The auction will be held on June 13, 2017, at Sotheby's in New York City.

The First Edition of the US Constitution

The first edition of the United States Constitution was published in September 1787, just months after it was signed. The document is extremely rare, with only around 200 copies known to exist. One of these copies could fetch up to $5 million at auction.

While the Constitution is now a fixture of American society, it was not always so well-regarded. In the early days of the Republic, many people were sceptical of centralized government and worried that the Constitution would grant too much power to the federal government. These concerns led to the ratification process being long and contentious.

In the end, however, the Constitution was ratified by all thirteen states and took effect in 1789. The document has since been amended 27 times, but its core principles have remained largely unchanged. The first edition of the Constitution is thus a valuable historical artifact that helps us understand the foundations of our country.

The difference between the first and second edition

When it comes to the United States Constitution, two different editions are extremely valuable and rare. The first edition is from 1787 and the second edition is from 1788. They both have unique value, with the first edition being worth more because it is older.

The biggest difference between the two editions is that the first edition has a mistake in it. Article I, Section 9 states "No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken." However, this should read "No Capitation or other direct Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken." This error was corrected in the second edition.

Because of this mistake, the first edition is much more valuable than the second edition. In fact, one first edition sold for $8 million in 2011. So if you have a first edition of the Constitution, you could be sitting on a gold mine!

The Value of the First Edition of the US Constitution

The first edition of the United States Constitution is one of the most valuable documents in American history. It was ratified by the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, and went into effect on March 4, 1789. The Constitution established the framework for the federal government of the United States and is still in use today.

The value of the first edition of the Constitution lies in its rarity and historical significance. There are only a handful of known copies of the first edition in existence, and it is believed that only about 200 were ever printed. The first edition was published by Johan Fries, who was the official printer of the Continental Congress. He printed 500 copies of the document, but it is not clear how many survived.

The first edition of the Constitution is valuable not only for its rarity but also for its role in American history. It was instrumental in establishing the federal government and shaping the country we know today. If you are lucky enough to own a copy of this rare document, you have a piece of American history that is truly priceless.

Where to find a copy of the First Edition of the US Constitution

The first edition of the United States Constitution was published in 1787 by Printer to the Continent John Dunlap. The Library of Congress holds the only known complete copy, which was donated by George Washington in 1789. There are 26 known copies of the first edition in existence, 20 of which are incomplete. One copy sold at auction for $8.14 million in June 1991.

To find a complete copy of the first edition of the US Constitution, you can visit the Library of Congress or one of the 26 known locations where a copy is held. If you would like to purchase a copy, you may be able to find one at auction, but be prepared to pay a high price – a complete copy sold for over $8 million in 1991.

The history of the US Constitution

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. The Constitution, originally comprising seven articles, delineates the national frame of government. Its first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, whereby the federal government is divided into three branches: the legislative, consisting of the bicameral Congress; the executive, consisting of the President; and the judicial, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Articles Four, Five and Six embody concepts of federalism, describing the rights and responsibilities of state governments and of the citizens in each state. Article Seven establishes ratification procedures."

Where the money will go if it is sold

If the Constitution is sold, the money will go to a variety of different places. The most likely destination for the funds is the Library of Congress, where they would be used to purchase new books and materials. Other possible destinations include the National Archives, Smithsonian Institution, or any number of other historical societies or museums.

It is unclear exactly how much money the Constitution would fetch if it were sold. Some estimates place the value at around $30 million, while others believe it could go for as much as $100 million. Whoever ends up buying the document would certainly be paying a premium for its historical significance.

How to get your own copy of the Constitution

To get your own copy of the Constitution, you can either go to a library that has a copy or buy one. The National Archives has a few first-edition copies of the Constitution, but they are not for sale. If you want to purchase a copy, the best place to look is online. There are a few websites that sell copies of the Constitution, but prices can vary greatly. The most expensive copy of the Constitution that is currently for sale is $4 million.

Conclusion

The first-edition US Constitution is an extremely rare document that could fetch a huge sum of money if it were to be auctioned off. However, the vast majority of people will never have the opportunity to own such a piece of history. Even if you can't afford to buy an original copy of the Constitution, you can still enjoy its contents by reading it online or in a book. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about this important document!