How to Sell Your George Washington Autograph
Founding Father George Washington has deep significance in American history. His leadership as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War was vital in helping the U.S. gain independence. Especially pivotal were the victories of the Battle of Yorktown and the Battle of Trenton. As the first President of a nascent nation he created many firsts, including the peaceful transfer of power as well as establishing a cabinet. We’ve had the opportunity to handle some exceptional George Washington signed items at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Please feel free to contact us if you have a George Washington autograph that you’d like to sell or have appraised.
Have a peek at our top George Washington autograph sales:
George Washington Autograph Document Signed from 1774
We sold a 1774 George Washington autograph document to Colonel George Mercer concerning bounty land promised to Virginia veterans of the French & Indian War for $37,500. Washington notably advocated on behalf of veterans after land distribution slowed post war and even hired a surveyor to divide 20,000 acres of land. Mercer was a politician during the mid 1700s who served in the Virginia House of Burgesses, the first democratically-elected legislative body in the British American colonies. He’s best remembered for his military service during the French and Indian War, where he likely became acquainted with George Washington.
George Washington Letter Signed & Free Frank Signed
We realized $31,250 for a lot of two George Washington autograph items, a letter signed and free frank signed, with particularly bold signatures. The letter is dated 21 October 1799 in which Washington replies to Captain Abraham Shepherd in regards an appointment to the Provisional Army and signs it “Go: Washington”. Letter has an included address leaf that Washington has written ”Free / Go: Washington” onto and it has the postmark 21 October. Shepherd is remembered for his Revolutionary War service and his contributions to help develop Shepherdstown, Virginia. Lot also includes a James Monroe autograph land grant dated dated 6 October 1817.
George Washington & Thomas Jefferson 1793 Document Signed
We sold a single page document signed by President George Washington, who signs “Go: Washington”, and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who signs “Th: Jefferson”, for $26,502. Document is dated 8 October 1793 and text is printed in three columns in French, English and Dutch. Issued to “Gabriel Haven, master and commander of the Brigantine called The Betsey of New York lying at present in the port of New York bound for the West Indies and laden with Onions and Flour.” The Betsey is also notable for being a privateer ship during the Revolutionary War and likely functioned as a merchant vessel during times of peace. Document is also signed by New York Mayor Richard Varick and John Lamb, Collector of Customs for the Port of New York.
President George Washington Autograph Letter Signed from 1790
We sold an autograph letter signed by George Washington as President for $25,337. Letter is dated 20 February 1790 to Thomas Mifflin, Founder Father and Governor of Pennsylvania. Letter reads in full: “Sir, / I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency an Act passed in the second Session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States – entitled ‘an Act for giving effect to the several Acts therein mentioned, in respect to the State of North Carolina, and other purposes’. I have the honor to be, / With due consideration / Your Excellency’s / Most Obedient Servt. / G. Washington.” Letter references North Carolina ratifying the U.S. Constitution on November 21, 1789. In 1788 North Carolina had refused to ratify due to a lack of a Bill of Rights to limit federal power, so their ratification a year later was a significant step and demonstrated how amendments were made to the Constitution to address original concerns.
George Washington Autograph Letter Signed from 1784
We realized $23,033 for a George Washington autograph letter from June 1784 to Irish politician Sir Edward Newenham. Newenham was known for being a strong advocate of American independence during the Revolutionary War and corresponded with American leaders over shared ideals. Letter reads in full: “Sir, If this letter should ever reach your hands, it will be presented by Col. Humphreys, who is appointed as Secretary to the Commissioner from the United States for forming commercial treaties in Europe. This Gentleman is a particular friend of mine, and until I resigned my military appointment, was one of my Aid de Camps. He has been uniformly a friend to the rights of mankind. He possesses in an eminent degree the social virtues and is a man of integrity and worth. As such I take the liberty of recommending him to your civilities if chance or a visit to Ireland, should throw him in your way. I offer no apology for this freedom, because, from your character I am persuaded none is necessary, and that you will feel pleasure in taking notice of merit. With great esteem and consideration, I have the honor to be / Sir – Yr Most Ob. Servt. / G. Washington”.
George Washington Autograph Document Signed as President
We realized $20,406 for a 1792 document signed by George Washington as President and countersigned by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Document designates “Zachariah Rhodes of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations…Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Patuxet”.
George Washington Autograph Document Signed as President
The U.S. gave out land bounties to veterans to compensate them for their service, encourage enlistment in pending wars and to promote westward expansion. We sold a vellum land bounty dated 18 August 1796 signed by President George Washington for $19,036. The document awarded James Pendleton, who served as a Captain for seven years in Virginia “a certain Tract of Land containing one thousand acres…” and “north west of the river Ohio, between the Little Miami and Sciota”. Document is also Countersigned by James McHenry, Secretary of War on the reverse.
George Washington Autograph Letter Signed from 1798
We realized $19,000 for a three-page George Washington autograph letter signed dated 11 February 1798, one year following his presidency. The letter is to Washington’s nephew, Robert Lewis, who served as his land agent in the 1790s across many states including Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Washington discusses the value of his profitable walnut trees and his concerns with money despite his large Presidential salary. Interesting letter content reflects how heavily Washington relied on family members to manage his personal matters as well as business endeavors.
This concludes our top George Washington sales! Thank you for stopping by. As always, please feel free to contact us for a free appraisal or if you would like to sell your George Washington autograph item.
FAQ
How do I consign or sell my George Washington 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 George Washington autograph?
The value of your autograph can vary based on condition, subject matter of the item and the year item was signed.