How to Sell Your James Monroe Autograph

To auction, sell or consign your James Monroe autograph, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).

James Monroe’s Presidency

James Monroe was the fifth president of the U.S. between 1817-1825, a time when there was much expansion of the country. During his presidency he had a role in arranging the Louisiana Purchase and helped acquire Florida. Monroe is also remembered for the the Monroe Doctrine that opposed European colonization of the Americas and the controversial Missouri Compromise of 1820.

Here Are Some James Monroe Autographs We’ve Sold:

Autograph Letter Signed Post-Presidency — Sold for $9,750

James Monroe autograph letter signed, dated 16 December 1827, two years after he left the Presidency. Monroe’s financial situation, always strained, became very difficult after he left office when he sold Highland, his plantation in Albemarle County, Virginia. In this letter, written from his home in Oak Hill, Virginia, he is offering for sale, “…my slaves & other property in Albemarle…” The plantation produced tobacco, wheat and grapes for wine, requiring the work of 30 to 40 slaves. Although the former President profited from slavery, he also supported the colonization of freed slaves in Africa. The letter reads in part, “…Mr. Watson…has kindly undertaken to sell for me, my slaves & other property in Albemarle…[I]t will afford me great pleasure, to sell them to you…They are sold, as are all the property I have there, to pay debts, contracted in the long course of my public service…These slaves are mortgaged…to pay a balance due to the bank of Virg’a…”. Sold for $9,750.

Autograph Letter Signed as President — Sold for $8,915

James Monroe signed autograph letter four months after he became President. To General Dearborn, former Secretary of War, regarding errors within the constitution and his future plans as stated in his inaugural address. Dated 11 July 1817, marked “private,” reads: “Dearborn / Not knowing whether I shall see you, as I understand you have not arrived here this morning, I enclose to you my [assured] to the address to which you are a party…The Constitution not recognizing a [dislocation] of parties, I have avoided it, but the interpretation is sufficiently plain…” Monroe opposed the 1787 Constitution ratification because it created too strong a central government. Although he voted against ratification, Monroe accepted the new government without misgivings, but his resentments are still present here. He goes on to discuss his future plans, “…I have explained myself fondly, as to the principles, on which I shall act. In this I have followed the spirit of my inaugural address…My best respects to Mrs. Dearborn. In great haste, with sincere respect, I am Dearborn yours…” Ends “James Monroe (signed)” with postscript reading, “I hope that my letter will [?] correctly, as it touches one person that is understanding.” 8″ x 10″, black ink, toning to edges, fold creases, matted nicely in wood frame. Fine. One of the best James Monroe signed letters that we have offered and an important historical document. Sold for $8,915.

Autograph Letter Signed as President — Sold for $2,303

James Monroe autograph letter signed and dated, “Washington July 1823” with no specific day. Letter reads in part, “…if i did not entertain a very different view of the night in those papers…I should not have requested you to return them…” Long, handwritten letter, measuring 7.5″ x 9.5″, has portions of cursive crossed out and written over by Monroe. Gilt frame with olive green marble-textured mat measures 24.75″ x 18.5″. Toning and light show-through from writing on verso, otherwise near fine. Also includes portrait engraving. Sold for $2,303.

Ships Paper Signed as President — Sold for $1,573

Scalloped ships paper signed by James Monroe as President and John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State, dated 16 April 1823. Ships paper allows the brig “Francis of Bristol,” commanded by Benjamin W. Bradford, “…mounted with no guns navigated with nine men to pass with her Company Passengers Goods and merchandise without any hindrance…” With two vignettes at top of a lighthouse and a sailboat. Original blindstamped seal intact. Creased document measures 11.5″ x 14.5″ with toning throughout, else very good. Sold for $1,573.

Signed Ohio Land Grant — Sold for $1,477

Land grant signed by James Madison as Secretary of State and James Monroe as President. Document announces that George Binker filed a certificate with the Chillicothe land office to own a quarter lot ”…for the south east quarter of section number three of township number nine…” Document is dated 1 October 1811 and contains a paper Presidential seal to lower right corner. Document measures 15.25” x 8.75”. Edges slightly toned and chipped. Tear to upper right corner and along center vertical tearline. Overall very good condition. Sold for $1,477.

1818 Document Signed as President — Sold for $1,477

James Monroe document signed as President, dated 9 December 1818. The President appoints Samuel Winston to the post of Registrar of the land office ”west of Pearl River”. Countersigned by John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State. Separation to folds and creasing. Mounted attractively to a matte board. Very good. Document measures 16” x 9.5” and frame measures 25” x 29.5”. Sold for $1,477.

Portuguese Diplomatic Appointment Signed as President — Sold for $1,140

James Monroe diplomatic appointment signed, also countersigned by John Quincy Adams as Monroe’s Secretary of State. Document appoints Robert Barry as Vice Consul of Portugal in Maryland, on 23 February 1824. The partnership of Monroe and Adams is considered one of the greatest in American diplomacy, with the founding of the Monroe Doctrine during his administration, the guiding philosophy behind America’s sphere of influence ever since; the Monroe Doctrine was especially important in the relationship with Portugal, coinciding with this document. Measures 9″ x 13.5″, with intact red wax-backed paper seal. Folds and light chipping, otherwise near fine with strong signatures by Monroe and Adams. Sold for $1,140.

Thanks for stopping by to learn about some of our James Monroe autographs! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to sell your James Monroe autograph.

FAQs

How do I consign or sell my James Monroe autograph?
It’s never been easier to sell your George Washington autograph at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a free appraisal.

This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement to review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.

What elements determine the value of a James Monroe autograph?
The value of your autograph can vary based on condition, subject matter of the item and the year item was signed.