A truly exceptional piece of history is now up for sale. A letter, signed by 14 U.S. presidents, is available for a six-figure sum. This remarkable document is the only one of its kind in the world, featuring the signatures of almost every president from Herbert Hoover onwards, with the notable exceptions of John F. Kennedy and Joe Biden. The presidential parchment is being sold through “Moments In Time” at a price tag of $175,000.
The story behind this letter is quite intriguing. As reported in Globe-News, it all began in October 1932 when a Texan man named Richard C. Corbyn wrote to Franklin D. Roosevelt about a potential campaign stop in Arizona. To Corbyn’s surprise, Roosevelt responded by autographing the bottom of the letter. At the time, Corbyn was 18 years old and received the response by mail. However, it wasn’t until 30 years later, in 1962, that he realized the letter would have even more value if he could manage to get other presidents to sign it as well. Thus began his quest for more signatures.
The second president to sign the letter was Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1962. Shortly after, in 1963, Harry S. Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Herbert Hoover added their signatures to the document. Corbyn attempted to secure John F. Kennedy’s autograph, but tragically, Kennedy’s assassination derailed those plans. It would take another twelve years before he could obtain another signature. Gerald Ford signed the letter in 1975 while in office, followed by Jimmy Carter in 1976. Richard Nixon left his mark in 1978, Ronald Reagan in 1980, and George H. W. Bush in 1988. Bill Clinton added his signature in 1993, and George W. Bush signed in 2002. Barack Obama proved to be a bit more challenging, as it took the Corbyns seven years to secure his signature, which they finally obtained in November 2015. The most recent president to sign the letter is Donald Trump, who left his mark in January 2020.
Interestingly, it appears that the Corbyns do not value obtaining Joe Biden’s autograph at all. Perhaps they consider the collection complete with the signatures they were able to gather.
The sale of this unique letter presents an incredible opportunity for collectors and history enthusiasts alike to own a remarkable piece of American history. It serves as a testament to the presidency and the individuals who led the nation through various eras. With each signature, the letter becomes a tangible link between past and present, a symbol of the democratic process, and a reminder of the leaders who shaped the United States. The price tag of $175,000 reflects the significance and scarcity of this historical artifact. Those fortunate enough to acquire it will possess much more than a mere document; they will hold a tangible piece of the American story.
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