Emancipation Proclamation copy auctioned
Auctioneer David Redden conducts bidding for a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln, formerly owned by Robert F. Kennedy, during an auction at Sotheby's in Manhattan. (Dec. 10, 2010) Credit: AP
One of the rare, original copies of the Emancipation Proclamation sold at a New York auction for more than $2 million.
The 1863 document signed by President Abraham Lincoln orders all slaves to be freed in states then in rebellion.
The proclamation was auctioned Tuesday for $2.1 million at Manhattan's Robert Siegel Auction Galleries. That price includes a buyer's premium.
The document was signed during the Civil War. It provided the legal framework for the emancipation of millions of slaves as the Union armies advanced.
A century later, President Lyndon Johnson invoked the proclamation while presenting the Voting Rights Act to Congress. He said equality was still an unfulfilled promise for black Americans.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
