A Pennsylvania man had the discovery of his life when the painting he spent 4 dollars on at a flea market ended up being one of the single most important documents in the US; the Declaration of Independence. It’s valued at somewhere around 800,000 to 1 million dollars, with Sotheby’s estimating that the sale price was between $1.4 – 1.8 million.
Unbeknownst to the buyer, the painting’s true value lay hidden within its ornate frame. As he dismantled the frame, a folded document emerged – a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence. Only 24 such copies are known to exist, and according to Sotheby’s department head David Redden, only 3 are held by private individuals.
Printed on July 4, 1776, this particular copy of the Declaration of Independence was produced by John Dunlap, a Philadelphia printer commissioned by the Continental Congress. Originally, approximately 200 copies were distributed to government officials and military leaders to spread the news of independence.
Experts were astounded by the remarkable condition of this newfound treasure. The ink, still visibly fresh, provides a tangible connection to the urgency with which the document was printed and dispersed to the colonies. The faint offsetting or shadow printing of the iconic opening line, “In Congress, July 4, 1776,” further adds to its authenticity. By keeping it folded and untouched, the owner made an unwittingly wise decision, ensuring its preservation without any restoration or repair.
Sources
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-03-mn-1674-story.html
