Christie's to offer George Washington's personal copy of the Acts of Congress

George Washington’s personal copy of the Acts of Congress, including the Constitution and draft Bill of Rights. The estimate is $2-3million. AP Photo/Christie's. NEW YORK, NY.- On June 22, Christie’s New York will offer one of the most evocative and revealing American historical artifacts: George Washington’s personal copy of the Acts of Congress, including the Constitution and draft Bill of Rights, a volume specially printed and bound for him in 1789, his first year in office as first President of the United States (estimate: $2-3 million). It is in near-pristine condition, after 223 years. On the cover, “President of the United States” is embossed in gold. On the marbled endpaper is Washington’s personal bookplate, engraved with his motto, Exitus acta probat. Washington added to the title-page a bold signature “G˚: Washington.” Remarkably, in the margins of the Constitution, Washington has added careful brackets and marginal notes. These notations highlight key passages concerning the President’s responsibilities, testifying to Washingto ... More