Rare Copy of US Constitution to be Auctioned

An incredibly rare, signed ratification copy of the U.S. Constitution, printed in 1787 and signed by Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson, has been discovered in an old filing cabinet at the historic Hayes Plantation in Edenton, North Carolina. This copy is one of only eight known to still exist, with the other seven being publicly owned. The document will be auctioned by Brunk Auctions in Asheville on September 28, with a starting bid of $1 million, although it is expected to sell for much more. Originally printed to be sent to the 13 states for ratification, the document symbolizes the moment the government sought empowerment from the people. The auction marks the 237th anniversary of Congress passing the ratification resolution. This sale is the first of its kind since 1891.