Two Cornerstone Documents of American History

Conceived by Abraham Lincoln & Leading to the Abolition of Slavery in the United States to Highlight Sotheby's Books & Manuscripts Auction:

The Thirteenth Amendment (est. $8-12m)  & Emancipation Proclamation (est. $3-5m)

On View in New York 20-25 June 

Live Auction 26 June 

From left to right: The "Authorized Edition" of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by Abraham Lincoln as sixteenth President; A fine manuscript copy of the Thirteenth Amendment, signed by Abraham Lincoln as sixteenth President

"I am President of the United States, clothed with great power. The abolition of slavery by Constitutional provisions settles the fate, for all...not only of the millions now in bondage, but of unborn millions to come..."

-Abraham Lincoln

"These documents are rare and profoundly important pieces of the story of America, so to present them together at auction is a rare privilege. Though distinct, they are inextricably linked, with the Emancipation Proclamation laying the groundwork for the Thirteenth Amendment. Each bears the signature of Abraham Lincoln, who viewed this cause as the most important achievement of his presidency -- an unwavering pursuit that shaped his life and defined his legacy."

-Selby Kiffer, Sotheby's Senior International Specialist for Books & Manuscripts

NEW YORK, 12 June 2025 – This month, Sotheby’s will present two era-defining documents that reshaped the course of American history: the Thirteenth Amendment (est. $8-12 million) and the Emancipation Proclamation (est. $3-5 million), both signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, these important documents will lead Sotheby’s forthcoming Fine Books and Manuscripts auction in New York. Rarely seen together, these companion documents represent a profound insight into the enduring legacy of Lincoln’s vision for the legal abolition of slavery in the United States - something he considered as his most important act as president. 

The rare documents represent the most valuable copies of each document to ever come to auction. In particular, the congressional copy of the Thirteenth Amendment is one of only 15 recorded manuscript copies signed by Lincoln, and one of just nine signed by Lincoln alongside the senators and congressmen

who passed it for ratification by the states. Only four of these are in private hands, and of those four, this copy bears the most signatures of the supporting legislators (96%). 

This example of the Emancipation Proclamation is also signed by Lincoln. Some 48 limited edition copies were produced to be sold - for the then mighty sum of $10 each - to benefit the Sanitary Commission, which provided vital medical care and support for Union soldiers. This was a cause close to President Lincoln’s heart. In 1864 he attended in person the Great Central Fair in Philadelphia, at which the documents were to be sold, delivering a speech that provoked such an emotional response from his audience that officials suggested it might be best if he absented himself from such occasions in the future. Of the 48 limited edition copies printed for this purpose, only 27, including the present, are known to survive. 

The documents will be on public view at Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries from 20-25 June, alongside further highlights from Sotheby’s June Books & Manuscripts sales ahead of the auction on 26 June.