The year 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the official birth of the United States.
The names that often come to mind when discussing the Founding Fathers are George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Hancock. These men played pivotal roles in shaping the early politics of the fledgling United States. Perhaps the most important “father” of all was George Washington, a statesman whose military fame and political abilities ensured him a position as the first president.
And while many other men and women contributed significantly to the nation’s foundation, these seven had the most influence.
Documents and Letters
Original letters or documents signed by one or more of the Founding Fathers are the most vivid collectibles one can own. Prices for most of these 250-year-old pieces of paper will be extremely high, reflecting their rarity and desirability. One incredible letter from Washington, written two years before he was inaugurated and sent to Thomas Jefferson in Paris, sold for a staggering $2.4 million in 2022.
Though it will be all but impossible to obtain an original copy of the Declaration of Independence (most are in museums), later copies from the 19th century are available, but for eye-watering amounts. The high price is perhaps not surprising given the fact that this is the single most important document in American history. However, several copies of the original document have been made for preservation purposes. An 1824 copy of the Declaration made in its exact likeness sold for $4.5 million in 2021.
The most flamboyant signature on the Declaration was that of John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. One apocryphal story is that Hancock signed his name so large because he wanted King George to be able to read it clearly without his spectacles. It seems Hancock always signed in this style, as a letter written by him dated 1776 has a similar signature. Though only a short letter, it still reached almost $1.9 million in 2022.
Personal and Commemorative Items
Some incredible personal items occasionally come up for sale. In 2022, a small glass bottle containing a few old tea leaves sold for $87,500. Of course, these were not just any tea leaves, but remnants collected from the Boston Tea Party of 1773. The lot was confirmed to be genuine using provenance from John Adams’s diary. The note inside the bottle even correctly referred to the event as the “destruction of the tea,” for the term “Boston Tea Party” did not appear in print until 1834.
Rembrandt Peale (1778-1860) was an American painter who, at the age of eighteen, painted a famous portrait of George Washington from life. In his subsequent career, Peale painstakingly replicated the original portrait no less than seventy-nine times, determined that it should become the standard portrait of America’s first president. Though the original is not on the market, one copy from around 1846 sold for nearly $500,000 in 2024.
The Centennial in 1876 saw the creation of several copies of the Declaration of Independence in newspapers and special posters, which were often combined with advertisements. Because centennial fever gripped the nation, thousands upon thousands of copies were printed, meaning it is possible to pick up a 150-year-old artifact for a relatively small amount. This particular copy went for $120 in 2024.
Masonic Items
It is no secret that many of the Founding Fathers, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, were Freemasons. This is obvious when looking at United States coins and bills, as several masonic images and mottos were incorporated into the currency. Back then, Freemasonry had fewer negative connotations. The Founding Father Freemasons were interested in the masonic ideals of individual liberty, freedom of worship, and championing democratic government.
George Washington joined the Masonic Lodge, No. 4 at Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1752. One year later, he was made a Master Mason. A 225th anniversary stamp to mark the occasion was commissioned in 1978 and can be picked up cheaply today.
During his inauguration as president, Washington swore on a Bible presented to him by St. John’s Lodge in New York. A Masonic medal commissioned in 1883 to commemorate the event, depicting a Holy Bible with Masonic imagery, went for $1000 in 2022.
American currency was and is saturated with Masonic imagery. An original continental dollar with the wonderful motto of “Mind Your Business” stamped on it sold for a whopping $444,000 in 2018 and will likely have risen in value since.
Final Thoughts
Anyone interested in obtaining original period items owned by the Founding Fathers will need a lot of time and money. Sound period knowledge is key to obtaining provenance on these items. Fortunately, for those of us with shallower pockets, there are several cheaper alternatives available, including copies of original documents and paintings.
Anything associated with the fateful events of 1776 will likely see an upswing in value over the next couple of years. As we approach these key anniversaries in American history, we will definitely see new commemorative items associated with Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and the rest hit the collecting scene.
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Matthew Doherty is a writer, editor, and teacher specializing in all things history-related. His work has been published in the UK Defence Journal, the Small Wars Journal, and The Collector. He holds an MSc from the University of Edinburgh and a BA from the University of Leeds. In his spare time, he also writes science fiction stories.
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