Harvard’s $27.50 Purchase of ‘Copy’ Magna Carta Now Believed to Be Genuine Original

Introduction: A Historic Discovery of Unparalleled Value 🏰💡

What was once thought to be an unremarkable “copy” of the Magna Carta is now believed to be an authentic, centuries-old original, and one of the most valuable documents in the world.

The remarkable revelation has sent shockwaves through the historical and academic communities, highlighting the significance of the Magna Carta as a cornerstone of constitutional law and human rights.

This discovery, which could be worth millions, is now garnering widespread attention for its profound implications on both legal history and the world of rare historical documents.

The document in question, which had been tucked away in the archives of Harvard Law School for decades, was initially purchased for just $27.50 (about £7 at the time) in 1946.

It was cataloged and forgotten for years, its true value unbeknownst to those who acquired it.

However, thanks to the diligent work of two medieval history professors, the document has been confirmed as an extraordinary find—a rare and original Magna Carta from the year 1300 during the reign of King Edward I.

Magna Carta: A Cornerstone of Freedom and Constitutional Law ⚖️🌍

The Magna Carta, first issued by King John in 1215, is one of the most iconic and significant legal documents in history.

It guaranteed the liberties and rights of the monarch’s subjects, placing the Crown under the rule of law for the first time in British history.

Over the centuries, it has served as a key influence in the formation of constitutions around the world, inspiring movements for democracy and the protection of human rights. 🌐🗽

The Magna Carta was reissued several times by successive English monarchs, including King Edward I, under whose reign the document in question was produced in 1300.

These reissues solidified the Magna Carta’s legacy as a symbol of liberty and justice, with a total of 200 originals believed to have been in circulation by 1300.

As of today, only 24 of these original copies remain in existence, most of them housed in the UK. However, a few are found in locations across the globe, including in Washington, D.C., and Canberra, Australia. 🏛️📜

The Discovery: From $27.50 to Millions 💸🔎

In 1946, Harvard Law School purchased the manuscript cataloged as HLS MS 172 for a mere $27.50, roughly equivalent to $450 today when adjusted for inflation.

It was believed to be just another historical reproduction, its true identity and significance hidden for decades. 📚💼

For years, the document remained tucked away in Harvard’s archives, with its true provenance unknown.

However, after reviewing digitized images of the manuscript, Professor David Carpenter from King’s College London began to suspect that this was no ordinary copy.

Upon closer examination, Carpenter, alongside Professor Nicholas Vincent from the University of East Anglia, concluded that the manuscript was, in fact, a rare original Magna Carta from 1300.

They determined that this discovery was one of the most important in recent historical scholarship, potentially worth millions.

The Verification Process: How the Document’s Authenticity Was Confirmed 🔬✅

Given the significant importance of this discovery, verifying the authenticity of HLS MS 172 was no easy task.

The manuscript is heavily faded in places, making it difficult to inspect with the naked eye.

Therefore, the professors relied on cutting-edge technology, including ultraviolet light and spectral imaging, to examine the document in greater detail.

This innovative approach allowed them to detect the faint traces of handwriting and other critical features that were consistent with the six other known 1300 originals of the Magna Carta. 📸💡

After an in-depth analysis, including a detailed comparison of the text and its phrasing with other known Magna Carta versions, the professors were able to confirm that the document was indeed an original.

The precise wording and order of the clauses matched perfectly with other copies from the 1300s, a crucial aspect in proving its authenticity.

The confirmation of the document’s identity as a 1300 original was the “crucial proof” that cemented its value and historical significance. ✅🔑

The Document’s Journey: From Appleby to Harvard 🏰✈️

The origins of the document can be traced back to the town of Appleby in Cumbria, England.

The professors believe that the manuscript was once owned by the Lowther family, a prominent land-owning family in the region.

The document is thought to have passed through various hands, including that of Thomas Clarkson, a leading abolitionist in the 1780s.

From there, the manuscript eventually made its way to the Maynard family, who sold it at auction in 1945.

The manuscript was purchased by a London bookseller for £42 before being sold to Harvard University for just a fraction of that price.

Despite the relatively low purchase price at the time, the significance of the document has only become clear in recent years, thanks to the meticulous research of the two scholars. 📜

How Valuable is the Magna Carta Today? 💎💵

As for the current value of this rediscovered Magna Carta, Professor Nicholas Vincent has declined to give a precise figure but has pointed to the 1297 Magna Carta, which sold at auction in New York in 2007 for a staggering $21 million (£10.5 million).

Given the rarity of these documents, Harvard’s newly authenticated Magna Carta could be worth an immense sum—certainly in the millions of dollars.

The value of such a document lies not only in its historical significance but also in its rarity, as there are very few original copies left in existence.

The Role of Libraries and Scholars in Preserving History 📚🧑‍🏫

Amanda Watson, Harvard Law School’s assistant dean for library services, praised the work of the professors in uncovering the true identity of the manuscript.

She emphasized that this discovery would not have been possible without the essential role of librarians, who not only collect and preserve materials but also facilitate the pathways for scholars to make groundbreaking revelations.

By opening collections to brilliant scholars, institutions like Harvard play an invaluable part in preserving and enhancing our understanding of history.

Watson also pointed out that the discovery of HLS MS 172 exemplifies the power of scholarly collaboration and technological innovation in revealing hidden treasures from the past.

The integration of modern imaging techniques has enabled scholars to examine fragile historical documents in new and revealing ways, allowing us to rediscover lost pieces of history. 📖🔍

The Significance of the Magna Carta: A Global Icon of Liberty ⚖️🌍

The Magna Carta remains one of the most important documents in the history of human rights and constitutional law.

For centuries, it has symbolized the rights and freedoms of individuals against oppressive rulers.

The ideals of justice, liberty, and equality enshrined in the Magna Carta have influenced the development of constitutions and legal systems around the world, shaping the course of democracy and the rule of law.

As Professor Vincent aptly noted, if you asked anybody what the most famous single document in the history of the world is, they would probably name Magna Carta.

Its legacy endures not just in the UK, but globally, and its value is immeasurable—both in terms of its historical significance and its impact on modern legal systems.

Conclusion: A Rare Treasure Reborn 🌟📜

As the world comes to terms with this revelation, the Magna Carta’s message and legacy Persist in resonating, highlighting the timeless influence of law, liberty, and justice.

Harvard’s newly discovered manuscript will undoubtedly take its rightful place among the most significant historical artifacts, offering an invaluable glimpse into the past and a symbol of the freedoms we continue to fight for today. 🌍💼