Christie's New York is set to host a landmark auction series celebrating America's 250th anniversary, featuring hundreds of rare historical documents and artifacts from the nation's founding era.The auction, scheduled for January 13-28, 2026, will showcase over 700 lots with an estimated value between $80 million and $120 million. Highlights include an original draft of the Constitution annotated by Founding Father Rufus King, one of 27 known signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the founding contract of Apple Computer signed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.Particularly notable items include a contemporary broadside of the Declaration of Independence published in 1776, valued between $3-5 million, and President James Madison's portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, estimated at $500,000-$1 million.The auction will also feature personal items from President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Carter Family Foundation. Amy Carter, the president's daughter, expressed hope that these objects would provide insight into her parents' lives of service and commitment.Marc Porter, Chairman of Christie's Americas, described the collection as a representation of "America's multifaceted history, spirit, and cultures," emphasizing the diverse perspectives captured in these historical artifacts.The two-part auction, titled "We the People: America at 250" and "The American Collector," will be on public view at Rockefeller Center from January 16-22, 2026, offering a unique glimpse into pivotal moments of American history.
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