How many original copies of the Constitution still exist?
Asked by: Mr. Caleb Waters | Last update: May 25, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (28 votes)
There are 13 known original printed copies from the first run of 500 in 1787, plus the single official, engrossed manuscript copy held at the National Archives, making 14 unique official versions in existence, though not all are accounted for. Of the 13 printed copies, 12 have survived, with some held by states and institutions, and two still in private hands (one sold for over $43 million).
How many copies of the Constitution still exist?
Extant final copies
Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. There are 12 remaining complete final printings (and one incomplete) of the Constitution known to exist (Evans 20818).
Where is the original copy of the U.S. Constitution kept?
The National Archives in Washington, DC. National Archives Museum.
How much is the original Constitution worth?
The last time a copy of the Constitution like this sold was for $400 in 1891. In 2021, Sotheby's of New York sold one of only 13 remaining copies of the Constitution printed for the Continental Congress and delegates to the Constitutional Convention for $43.2 million, a record for a book or document.
Does the original Constitution still exist?
Located on the upper level of the National Archives, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.
Is Your Constitution Copy Real? | James Bean Estate Sales
Is God mentioned in the US Constitution?
No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention God, Jesus, or Christianity; its focus is secular, establishing government structure and guaranteeing religious freedom, though it uses the phrase "Year of our Lord" for dating the document and mentions "religion" in the First Amendment regarding no establishment of religion. The document instead separates church and state, ensuring no religious test for office and prohibiting a government-established religion, reflecting the founders' aim for religious liberty.
How much does an original copy of the Constitution cost?
First-edition copy of US Constitution sells for record $43.2 million. Editor's Note: This article was updated with the final sale price and other details following the auction's conclusion.
Where can I get a physical copy of the Constitution?
To learn more about the Constitution — the people, the events, the landmark cases — order a copy of “The U.S. Constitution & Fascinating Facts About It” today! Call to order: 1-800-887-6661 or order pocket constitution books online.
What is the rarest signature of the Declaration of Independence?
The rarest signature on the Declaration of Independence belongs to Button Gwinnett, due to his short life and obscurity, with only about 51 known examples, making it incredibly valuable; however, Thomas Lynch, Jr. is also considered extremely rare, sometimes cited as the scarcer of the two, with his signature also highly sought after by collectors.
Which is the no. 1 Constitution in the world?
The Constitution of India, adopted on 26 November 1949 and enforced from 26 January 1950, stands as the world's longest written constitution.
Where is the original copy of the US Constitution?
All four pages of the document are on permanent display at the National Archives. The Constitution acted like a colossal merger, uniting a group of states with different interests, laws, and cultures.
How fragile is the Declaration of Independence?
Ironically, the Founding Fathers' desire to preserve the document actually contributed to its wear and tear. The original Declaration of Independence is written on parchment, a delicate and non-durable material made from stretched out animal skin.
Is the Declaration legally binding today?
The Declaration of Independence states the principles on which our government, and our identity as Americans, are based. Unlike the other founding documents, the Declaration of Independence is not legally binding, but it is powerful.
Why is part 7 removed?
Part VII of the Indian Constitution was repealed by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, because it dealt with "Part B States" (former princely states) that became redundant after the major States Reorganisation created a more uniform structure of only States and Union Territories, making the separate classification of Part B States obsolete.
How much jail time for stealing the Declaration of Independence?
18 U.S.C. 668 (THEFT OF MAJOR ARTWORK) – “A person who steals or obtains by fraud from the care, custody, or control of a 'museum' any 'object of cultural heritage'… shall be fined [up to $250,000], imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.” 18 U.S.C. §668(b)(1).
Who never signed the Declaration of Independence?
Signer details. Nine delegates never signed the Declaration, out of about 50 who are thought to have been present in Congress during the voting on independence in early July 1776: John Alsop, George Clinton, John Dickinson, Charles Humphreys, Robert R. Livingston, John Rogers, Thomas Willing, and Henry Wisner.
How much is a Declaration of Independence worth?
A rare broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence is heading to auction at Sotheby's, where it's expected to fetch between $2 and $4 million. Dated to July 1776, this edition was created to disseminate the founding document to the public.
Who had the biggest signature on the Declaration?
John Hancock had the biggest, most famous signature on the Declaration of Independence, a large, bold signature so King George III could read it without spectacles, leading to "John Hancock" becoming a synonym for signature. As President of the Continental Congress, he was the first to sign the historic document.
Can I get a copy of the Constitution for free?
Request your free copy and keep the Constitution at your fingertips!
What is the full 6th Amendment?
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be ...
Does Barnes and Noble sell copies of the Constitution?
The Constitution of the United States of America with the Declaration of Independence is one of Barnes & Noble's Collectible Editions Classic Editions.
How much of the USS Constitution is still original?
Today, perhaps 15 percent of USS Constitution – including the keel – is original material from the 1790s, but the spirit of the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat remains intact as a 26-month restoration winds down.
Should I buy a copy of the Constitution?
Students in middle school and above learning about civics and American Government will want to have a copy of this essential document. High school students and above may need this document as a resource for constitutional law debates.