Abraham Lincoln is widely considered to be one of the greatest American presidents.
His leadership during the Civil War and his role in ending slavery have cemented his place in American history.
As a result, Lincoln memorabilia is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In this blog post, we take a look at 10 of the most valuable pieces of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia that have been sold at auction.
1. The Emancipation Proclamation:
The Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most important documents in American history. It declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. In 2010, a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Lincoln sold for $3.7 million.
2. Lincoln's pocket watch:
Lincoln's pocket watch is one of the most iconic pieces of Lincoln memorabilia. The watch was given to Lincoln by a jeweler in Springfield, Illinois, and he wore it every day during his presidency. In 2009, the watch sold for $3.4 million.
3. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:
The Gettysburg Address is considered to be one of the greatest speeches in American history. In 1949, a copy of the speech written in Lincoln's own hand sold for $52,000. In 1992, another copy sold for $1.5 million.
4. Lincoln's stovepipe hat:
Lincoln's stovepipe hat is one of the most recognizable items associated with him. The hat was sold at auction in 2012 for $6.5 million. It is believed to be the hat that Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination.
5. The Lincoln-Douglas debates:
The debates between Lincoln and Stephen Douglas helped to propel Lincoln to the presidency. In 2009, a complete set of transcripts from the debates sold for $350,000.
6. Lincoln's inkwell:
Lincoln's inkwell is a simple item, but it has great historical significance. It is believed to be the inkwell that Lincoln used to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. In 2002, the inkwell sold for $78,000.
7. Lincoln's deathbed:
Lincoln's deathbed is one of the most somber pieces of Lincoln memorabilia. It was sold at auction in 1929 for $6,000.
8. The Lincoln family carriage:
The Lincoln family carriage was used by the family during Lincoln's presidency. It was sold at auction in 2011 for $300,000.
9. Lincoln's White House china:
The White House china used during Lincoln's presidency is a beautiful and rare piece of memorabilia. In 2008, a set of the china sold for $80,000.
10. Lincoln's law partner's desk:
Lincoln shared a law office with William H. Herndon in Springfield, Illinois. Herndon's desk, which Lincoln used during their partnership, was sold at auction in 2014 for $52,500.
Abraham Lincoln memorabilia is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
From important documents to personal items, these pieces of history provide a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of America's greatest presidents.
These ten pieces of Lincoln memorabilia sold at auction for millions of dollars, demonstrating the enduring interest in this important figure and the impact he had on American history.
About your Author:
Adrian Roose has over 30 years’ experience covering all aspects of the rare stamp & memorabilia industry during which he has sold over £50m of unique items, helping build collections for Royalty, household name celebrities and 1,000s of collectors around the world.
Adrian was previously a Director at Stanley Gibbons, a Board Member of Stampex, and Executive Director of Paul Fraser Collectibles, PFC Auctions and JustCollecting, prior to founding The Memorabilia Club.