Acquired by Harvard: The Magna Carta for $27, Potential Value Estimated in Millions
In a remarkable find, a 725-year-old original Magna Carta manuscript has been uncovered at Harvard Law School. This handwritten document, penned on sheepskin, is one of approximately 25 known originals worldwide, making it a precious addition to Harvard's historical collection.
The discovery was made in the school's digital archives, and its authenticity was confirmed through expert analysis. Comparisons were made with other known 1300 originals, and spectral imaging revealed features matching six of them, including identical text, dimensions, and distinctive handwriting details. Two British academics, Nicholas Vincent (University of East Anglia) and David Carpenter (King's College London), played key roles in the authentication process.
The Magna Carta, first signed in 1215, is renowned for establishing the principle that even a king must follow the law. Its ideas, such as due process and limited government, have shaped the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The historical significance of this document cannot be overstated.
Although the exact current appraisal of the manuscript is not known, a historic original Magna Carta sold for $21.3 million in 2007. While the monetary value is undeniably high, experts emphasise the document's historical and symbolic importance over its financial worth.
This discovery comes at a time when Harvard University and other institutions of higher learning are under pressure from the Trump administration. The Magna Carta's reemergence serves as a reminder of the continued relevance of its legal and cultural legacy.
| Aspect | Details | |------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Originality | Confirmed original Magna Carta manuscript from 1300 | | Material | Handwritten on sheepskin | | Condition | Good condition despite being 725 years old | | Rarity | One of about 25 known originals worldwide | | Significance | Symbol of the rule of law and limits on monarchic power | | Estimated Value | Comparable originals sold for over $21 million; emphasis on historical importance[1][2] |
This find adds a notable piece to Harvard’s historical collection and underscores the continued relevance of the Magna Carta’s legal and cultural legacy.
[1] Rachel King, Town & Country, 2021 [2] The Guardian, 2021
Society's interest in historical artifacts was heightened as news broke about the discovery of an original Magna Carta, dating back to 1215, at Harvard Law School. The general-news spread like wildfire, with many pointing out the significance of the document in shaping modern politics and style, including the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. styles align with the Magna Carta's principles of due process and limited government. With a price tag similar to previous sales, about $21.3 million, experts stress the document's priceless historical and symbolic importance over its financial worth. As the political landscape evolves, this reemerged Magna Carta serves as a stark reminder of the enduring relevance of its legal and cultural legacy, a message watchful eyes find particularly relevant amidst the current pressure faced by institutions of higher learning.
