Jonah Patel
The United States Constitution is a foundational document of American constitutionalism. The final draft was ordered to be printed on September 15, 1787, and 500 copies were produced by John Dunlap and David Claypoole, the official printers of the Constitutional Convention. There are only 13 known copies of the official printing, with 11 held by official institutions or government collections. The remaining two copies are in private collections, with one being the Goldman Constitution, purchased by Ken Griffin for $43.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in 2021. The Constitution is on display at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The original U.S. Constitution is also transcribed and available for viewing at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of copies printed in 1787 | 500 |
| Number of copies remaining | 12 complete final printings, 1 incomplete |
| Number of copies in private collections | 2 |
| Official institution or government collections | 11 |
Explore related products
$9.99 $9.99
$22.49 $35
What You'll Learn
There are 13 known copies of the official printing
The United States Constitution is one of the most important documents in the country's history. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by the delegates of the Constitutional Convention, bringing an end to the convention's proceedings. The document was then printed, with 500 copies of the final text produced by John Dunlap and David Claypoole, the official printers of the Constitutional Convention. These copies were distributed to the delegates, with each receiving several copies.
Today, there are only 13 known copies of the official printing produced for the delegates. Of these 13 copies, 11 are held by official institutions or government collections. The remaining two copies are in private hands, having been sold to private collectors through auctions held by Sotheby's. One of these copies, known as the Goldman Constitution, was purchased by billionaire Ken Griffin for $43.2 million in 2021. It was subsequently loaned to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, for an exhibit.
The locations of some of the known surviving copies of the original printing include the Delaware Hall of Records Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs in Dover, the New Jersey State Archives in Trenton, the Library of Congress Manuscript Division, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Manuscript Department in Philadelphia, the Gilder Lehrman Collection at the New-York Historical Society in New York City, and the Huntington Library in San Marino, California.
The Constitution has undergone several reprintings throughout the years, and there are also several original engrossed copies of the Bill of Rights, an important amendment to the Constitution, that are still in existence. These copies are on display at various locations, including the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and the New York Public Library. The preservation and display of these documents ensure that the public can access and learn about the foundational texts of the nation's democracy.
Maine's Ranked Choice Voting: Constitutional?
You may want to see also
11 of these are held by institutions or governments
The US Constitution was first printed in 1787, with 500 copies of the final draft produced by John Dunlap and David Claypoole, the Constitutional Convention's official printers. Of these 500 copies, only a handful have survived to the present day.
There are 13 known copies of the official printing produced for the delegates, with 11 of those held by official institutions or government collections. Two remain in private collections.
The copies held by institutions or governments are located at:
- The Delaware Hall of Records Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Bureau of Archives and Records, Dover, DE
- New Jersey State Archives, Trenton, NJ
- Library of Congress Manuscript Division (James Madison Papers, or the blue volume on the Constitutional Convention, 1787)
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania Manuscript Department, Philadelphia, PA
- The Huntington Library, San Marino, CA
- Gilder Lehrman Collection, New-York Historical Society, New York, NY
- American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA
- Public Records Office, London, England
In addition to these, there are several original engrossed copies of the Bill of Rights still in existence. One of these is on permanent public display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Another is held at the New York Public Library.
Denying Medical Treatment: Abuse or Neglect?
You may want to see also
Two are in private collections
The US Constitution, one of the most important documents in the history of the United States, was printed in 1787. 500 copies of the final text were produced by John Dunlap and David Claypoole, the official printers of the Constitutional Convention. However, only a few of these copies have survived to the present day.
While the vast majority of surviving copies are held in official government collections or state archives, two are in private collections. One of these, known as the Goldman Constitution, was purchased by billionaire Ken Griffin for $43.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in November 2021. Griffin outbid a group of cryptocurrency enthusiasts called ConstitutionDAO, who had crowdfunded to purchase the document. The Goldman Constitution was subsequently loaned to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, for an exhibit.
The other copy in private hands is expected to be auctioned off in December, with a selling price estimated at between $20 million and $30 million. This copy last appeared at auction in 1894, and it is believed to be the first print recognised as official by 19th-century historical and collecting communities.
The private ownership of these copies of the US Constitution has sparked debates and attempts by groups like ConstitutionDAO to acquire them for public access. The documents' universal appeal transcends bidders' political beliefs, attracting collectors of not only rare books and manuscripts but also modern and contemporary art.
The Constitution: Judicial Branch's Power Limits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.99
One copy was sold for $43.2 million
The US Constitution is a significant historical document, and its original copies are highly sought-after by collectors, enthusiasts, and institutions alike. In 2021, one copy of the Constitution, known as the Goldman Constitution, was sold for a record-breaking $43.2 million at a Sotheby's auction. This sale set a new benchmark for the auction price of any book, manuscript, or printed text. The buyer, billionaire Ken Griffin, outbid ConstitutionDAO, a decentralized autonomous online group that had amassed over $40 million in cryptocurrency to purchase the document.
The copy sold at Sotheby's was one of only 13 known copies of the official printing produced for the delegates of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Of these 13 copies, 11 are held by official institutions or government collections, and only two remain in private hands. The rarity of these documents and their universal appeal make them extremely valuable. The particular copy sold in 2021 was last purchased by Howard Goldman from Sotheby's in 1988 and was subsequently loaned to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, for an exhibit.
The auction of the Goldman Constitution in 2021 attracted widespread attention due to the involvement of ConstitutionDAO. This group of cryptocurrency enthusiasts aimed to purchase the document and make it publicly accessible. They raised over $40 million through crowdfunding, but their bid fell short against Ken Griffin's winning offer. Despite their unsuccessful bid, ConstitutionDAO's efforts highlighted the enduring significance of the US Constitution and the public's interest in preserving and accessing such important historical documents.
The sale of the Goldman Constitution for $43.2 million underscores the immense value placed on original copies of the US Constitution. With only a handful of surviving copies from the original 500 printings, the competition to acquire these rare documents is intense. The auction record set by the Goldman Constitution's sale reflects the historical, cultural, and monetary worth attributed to these foundational texts of American democracy. As such, the fate of the remaining copy expected to go up for sale in December remains to be seen, with Sotheby's estimating a sale price of $20-30 million.
Lewis and Clark's Historic Journey: Constitution in Action
You may want to see also
The original was inscribed by Jacob Shallus
The United States Constitution is a foundational legal document that outlines the principles, structures, and powers of the country's federal government. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by the delegates of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, marking a pivotal moment in American history. Among the individuals involved in the creation of this historic document, one name that is often overlooked is that of Jacob Shallus.
Jacob Shallus, also spelled Shalus, was the engrosser or penman responsible for inscribing the original copy of the United States Constitution. Born in 1750 to German immigrant parents who had settled in Pennsylvania, Shallus became a merchant in Philadelphia and was known for his calligraphy skills. He served as the Assistant Clerk to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, which positioned him conveniently close to the Constitutional Convention. Shallus' experience in engrossing official documents and his proximity to the proceedings likely influenced his selection as the engrosser of the Constitution.
On September 15, 1787, the delegates of the Constitutional Convention approved the final draft of the Constitution and ordered it to be engrossed on parchment. Shallus was given the task of transcribing the document, which consisted of approximately 4,500 words. He meticulously inscribed the text onto four sheets of parchment, measuring 28-3/4 inches by 23-5/8 inches. Shallus completed this task swiftly, likely over the course of a single day, and received $30 for his efforts.
The original copy of the Constitution, inscribed by Jacob Shallus, is a remarkable testament to his skill and attention to detail. It is currently on display in the Rotunda of the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. Shallus' name does not appear on the document itself, but his contribution was later revealed through historical research. Today, his role in the creation of the Constitution is recognized, and he is remembered as an important figure in the history of the United States.
Magic Kills: Powering Up with Every Enemy Defeat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are 13 known copies of the official printing produced for the delegates. Only two remain in private collections, with 11 held by official institutions or government collections.
One of the privately owned copies is the Goldman Constitution, purchased by Ken Griffin for $43.2 million. It was loaned to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The other privately owned copy was up for sale in December 2022.
Publicly owned copies are held by the likes of the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, the Library of Congress, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Gilder Lerhman Collection in the New York Historical Society.
Yes, several original engrossed copies of the Bill of Rights still exist. One is on permanent public display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. George Washington had 14 handwritten copies made, one for Congress and one for each of the original 13 states.
The value of an original copy of the Constitution is extremely high. The copy purchased by Ken Griffin set a record for any book, manuscript, or printed text sold at auction, according to Sotheby's. It was sold for $43.2 million.
![The New Constitution of France. Literally Tr. from the Original Copy, Presented to the People of France for Their Consideration. By the Committee of Constitution Consisting of 1793 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
