On February 9, 1864, Anthony Berger took the “Penny Profile” photograph of 16th United States President Abraham Lincoln at Mathew Brady’s Washington studio. Now, 162 years later, a signed print was found, hidden away in a desk drawer in a Massachusetts home.
Rare Photograph of Abraham Lincoln Sold at Auction
RR Auction sold the photograph for $149,020, well above the initial estimate of $75,000. RR Auction shared more details in its listing, noting it was signed in benefit of the Soldiers’ Aid Society of Westford, Massachusetts.
Described as an “Exceptional original 2.25 x 4 carte-de-visite portrait of Abraham Lincoln in right-facing profile, boldly signed at the bottom in ink, ‘A. Lincoln,’” this photograph is incredibly rare and one of six that President Lincoln signed and donated to be sold to raise funds because he was not able to provide federal funds directly, the listing reports. The proceeds aided families of local Union soldiers.
The photograph includes an inscription on the reverse: “Contributed for the benefit of the S. A. So. of Westford, MA. at their levee Dec. 14th 1864 by Pres. Lincoln.” The item was described to be in a “very good to fine condition, with clipped corners, a small stain to the mount, and an old inventory label to the reverse. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.”
RR Auction also shared background on the image and how it would later be used as a “photographic source for Victor David Brenner’s design of the Lincoln cent.” In addition to the photograph, the listing included a 1924 newspaper clipping commenting on Lincoln’s donation. RR Auction reports that the newspaper wrote that Lincoln’s signature was “not a facsimile, but the Great Emancipator’s own handwriting.”
The original owner is believed to have been Charles G. Sargent, described as a Westford industrialist and civic leader. It was then passed to his son, Allan C. Sargent, and later “remained quietly preserved within the family for roughly another century before being rediscovered in an old desk, its significance revealed when the newspaper clipping fell from the back of its frame.”
Other Pieces of President Abraham Lincoln Memorabilia
President Lincoln was first elected on November 6, 1860, taking office on March 4, 1861. He would be re-elected on November 8, 1864, but his second term ended after 42 days in office, beginning on March 4, 1865, when he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. He was shot on April 14 and died the next morning on April 15, 1865, Britannica reports.
RR Auction has sold several pieces of memorabilia connected to the late President. This includes a “Letter by Lincoln Calling for a Special Cabinet Meeting” dated 1863, which sold for $43,125, and “Abraham Lincoln’s Carpet Bag Gifted to a Union Soldier Wounded at Cold Harbor,” which sold for $17,840.
Another item that sold for $47,692 was described as an “Excessively rare letter handwritten by President Lincoln on April 12, 1861—the day the Civil War began.” The letter was addressed to Attorney General Edward Bates. It reads: “On examination of papers, and full consideration, I have concluded to appoint Earl Bill, marshal for the Northern District of Ohio. Please send me the commission.” It is also signed “A. Lincoln.”
Signed Photograph of Abraham Lincoln Discovered & Auctioned for an Eye-Watering Amount