Abraham Lincoln artifacts to be auctioned to pay off foundation's debt

22/5/2025 6:22

Some artifacts of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation's prized collection, loaned out and displayed in museums and historical sites across the United States, are up for auction on Wednesday as the foundation seeks to pay off its long-lingering debts.

"A page from a childhood workbook. Remnants from the campaign trail. The small cuff button he wore on the night he died. These yellowing relics offer a glimpse into the legendary life of President Abraham Lincoln," reported The Washington Post about the move.

The foundation said in March that it would be auctioning off 144 items, less than 10 percent of its 1,540-item collection, to close out the loan it took out to buy the artifacts in 2007.

"Proceeds from the sale will be used to satisfy our obligation to retire the outstanding loan balance from the Foundation's purchase of the collection," it said in a statement. "Any excess funds will go toward our continued care and display of our extensive collection."