Rare Copy of Declaration of Independence Heading to Auction

The document is part of a collection of over 400 historic items scheduled for auction in May, and is set to coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence.

1776 broadside copy | Goldin Auction

However, this is not an instantly recognizable version of the Declaration of Independence as, instead of being a carefully handwritten piece of parchment (what’s known as an engrossed copy), this variant is one of the few surviving broadside editions - a large, single-sided page of printed material that was one of the easiest and most popular ways to spread public information at the time.

Declaration of Independence broadsides were distributed throughout the colonies shortly after the original document was signed, with the goal of raising awareness and to win people over to the idea of breaking away from Britain.

The auctioneers believe that this particular copy was published in Exeter, New Hampshire. The edition offered by Goldin Auction was originally printed and distributed so that colonists could read the Second Continental Congress’ argument for separating from Great Britain in July 1776. Around 125 of the July 1776 broadsides are known to still exist today, but only 10 examples remain of this specific edition.

Goldin has not yet provided a valuation estimate but it will almost certainly sell for a substantial sum. Recently, an Exeter broadside in similar condition offered by Christie’s sold for nearly $5.7 million.

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