Highly desirable Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company check, 7.5 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Lincoln, “A. Lincoln,” payable to Johnson & Bradford for $72.10, February 16, 1859. Encapsulated in a plastic PSA/DNA authentication holder grading the autograph “Mint 9.” In fine condition, with two very light vertical folds and an unobtrusive cancellation cut next to signature. Lincoln, while campaigning in 1858 for Illinois’ Senate seat, kept a scrapbook with newspaper clippings reporting his debates with Stephen Douglas. His performance against the better known incumbent had been well received, and he realized that his speeches would have a larger audience if he could distribute them outside Illinois. Printer William Ross had written Lincoln about publishing the speeches, with Johnson and Bradford bowing out the following month. A desirable Lincoln check written as his political career was gaining momentum. RR Auction COA.
