A Signed Photograph of Abraham Lincoln Was Discovered in an Old Desk Drawer. It Sold for More Than a Luxury Sports Car

A signed photograph of Abraham Lincoln, long forgotten in an old desk in a Massachusetts home, has been sold at auction for a remarkable £149,020. This intriguing piece of history, known as the “Penny Profile,” was taken by photographer Anthony Berger in February 1864 at Mathew Brady’s well-known studio in Washington, D.C.

The photograph, measuring just 2.25 by 4 inches, features Lincoln’s right-side profile and is notable not only for its artistic merit but also for its historical significance. It was printed by Brady’s National Photographic Portrait Galleries, which had a reputation for capturing the likenesses of notable figures during that era.

According to RR Auction, the auction house responsible for handling the sale, the back of the photograph bears an inscription that reads, “Contributed for the benefit of the S. A. So. of Westford Ma. at their levee Dec. 14th 1864 by Pres. Lincoln.” This documentation highlights Lincoln’s charitable act during a challenging time in American history.

In December 1864, Lincoln donated six signed portraits to support the Soldiers’ Aid Society of Westford, Massachusetts. At that time, he faced constraints preventing him from allocating federal funds to assist families of Union soldiers. Instead, he chose to contribute autographed items for the society’s fundraising event, showcasing both his civility and commitment to the welfare of soldiers’ families.

The photograph eventually came to be owned by Charles G. Sargent, a notable industrialist and civic leader in Westford, before passing to his son, Allan C. Sargent. Allan was a well-known preservationist and participated in various historical and patriotic organisations. The prized photograph remained within the Sargent family for nearly a century until it was discovered anew in a desk drawer.

In addition to its historical context, the sale price of the photograph places it within an interesting market for memorabilia. To illustrate its value, the price fetched at auction surpasses the starting price of some high-end vehicles, such as a Porsche 911, which is set to begin at £135,500 in 2026.

This isn’t the first instance of Lincoln-related memorabilia drawing significant amounts at auction. In 2020, a lock of the late president’s hair was auctioned by RR Auction for over £81,000. Furthermore, a letter written by Lincoln in 2008 garnered an astonishing £3.4 million when auctioned off at Sotheby’s.

Lincoln’s legacy continues to command interest and reverence, as evidenced by such high prices for items associated with him. The latest auction highlights the enduring fascination with artifacts linked to one of America’s most iconic figures.

As the dust settles from this auction, many are left pondering what other hidden treasures might still lie undiscovered across the country, waiting to connect us with historical moments that shaped the nation.