Billionaire Ken Griffin Expands Collection with Historic American Artifacts
Ken Griffin, a billionaire hedge fund manager and CEO of Net Worth, recently added to his collection of rare historical documents by purchasing two significant pieces of American history.
As reported by Forbes, Griffin acquired a rare handwritten copy of the 13th Amendment for $13.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction, setting a new record for a document signed by Abraham Lincoln. Interestingly, this auction had an estimated range of $12 million for the document. This purchase also surpassed the previous record of $2.4 million for a different copy of the 13th Amendment, which was set in 2016.
This particular vellum sheet, signed by Lincoln in 1865, formally abolished slavery in the United States and is one of only four copies that remain in private hands. Alongside this, Griffin also bought a unique copy of the Emancipation Declaration for $4.4 million during the same auction, highlighting his keen interest in significant historical manuscripts.
In a statement, Griffin reflected on the importance of these documents, suggesting that they encapsulate America’s journey toward a more unified society. He remarked that both the Emancipation Declaration and the 13th Amendment are vital in abolishing slavery and promoting equality.
The Emancipation Declaration, originally issued by Lincoln during the Civil War in 1863, declared the freedom of enslaved individuals in Confederate states. The signed version from 1864 was expected to sell for between $3 million and $5 million, and previously fetched a high of $3.8 million in 2010.
Griffin, who has made headlines before for purchasing the largest dinosaur skeleton for $44.6 million, is becoming a significant figure in the collection of American political memorabilia. In 2021, he famously outbid a group of cryptocurrency investors to secure a copy of the U.S. Constitution for $43.2 million, marking a record price for historical documents.
Recently, he also announced plans to lend his copies of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to the National Constitutional Center in Philadelphia, in connection with a special exhibition for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. His intention to make the new Lincoln documents accessible for public exhibitions reflects a desire to share these critical pieces of history with a wider audience.
