ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S 1864 VICTORY SPEECH SELLS FOR RECORD $3,442,500 ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S 1864 VICTORY SPEECH
ESTABLISHES A NEW WORLD AUCTION
RECORD AT $3,442,500
For Immediate Release
February 12, 2009
Contact: Sung-Hee Park spark@christies.com 212.636.2680
New York – In today’s sale of Abraham Lincoln’s 1864 Victory Speech, Christie's achieved
$3,442,500 and set a new auction record for a Lincoln manuscript, a presidential manuscript and any
American historical document.
Chris Coover, Senior Specialist of the Books and Manuscripts department said: “We are
extremely gratified at the attention this historic Presidential speech generated in the media, leading
up to today’s observance of Lincoln’s Bicentennial birthday. Today's auction is a testimony to
Americans' and the world’s abiding interest in and reverence for President Abraham Lincoln.”
Delivered by Lincoln from the White House on November 10, 1864, two days after he won reelection
to a second term, the speech was compelling, eloquent and timely. In it, Lincoln considers
“whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to
maintain its own existence, in great emergencies.” He stresses that “we cannot have free
government without elections,” even in times of serious crisis. Finally he calls upon his fellow
Americans to “re-unite in a common effort, to save our common country.”
Proceeds from the sale of the speech will go to the Southworth Library Association and will fund
construction of a new addition to the library and other projects.
About Christie’s
Christie’s, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2008 that totaled £2.8
billion/$5.1 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and
expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the
greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique
and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 600 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and
decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $80
million. Christie’s has 70 offices in 30 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London,
New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the
market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United
Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
*Estimates do not include buyer's premium
# # #
