Extremely rare Riggs & Co. bank check, 7.25 x 2.75, filled out in another hand and signed by Pierce, payable to Self for $300.00, March 24, 1857. Archivally matted and framed with a seated portrait of Pierce to an overall size of 14 x 20.5. In fine, bright condition, with cancellation cut to body, and some trivial paper loss to lower right edge.
The scarcity and desirability of a Pierce signed check, particularly one dating from shortly after the close of his presidency, is well known among presidential collectors. Pierce was undoubtedly glad to leave the trappings of public office, as well as the nation’s capital, when he wrote this check. The former first lady’s recurrent bout with tuberculosis forced the family to delay their return to New England for three weeks, but eventually departed on March 25—one day after collecting this $300 for himself—and traveled to Philadelphia, where they spent six weeks in a hotel while Jane Pierce consulted with a doctor. In May they moved on to New York City for a week’s visit with former governor and senator Hamilton Fish before Pierce finally arrived in New Hampshire in early June. Pierce spent the remaining 12 years of his life retired from political life and traveling extensively overseas with his wife. Having earned the modern equivalent of $500,000 a year during his single term in office and investing his income so to be worth more than $1.5 million in current dollars, the 14th US president was easily able to afford to remain out of the political fray and gather this $300 in ‘pocket change.’ The only other known Franklin Pierce check was sold at auction was on April 15, 2006, at Goldberg Auctions (Sale 35, Lot 193). The total sale price was $33,350. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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