HomeHistoryHarvard’s $27.50 Magna Carta Revealed as Authentic Symbol of Liberty
Harvard’s $27.50 Magna Carta Revealed as Authentic Symbol of Liberty

Harvard’s $27.50 Magna Carta Revealed as Authentic Symbol of Liberty

Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

May 20, 2025

3 min read

Brief

A $27.50 Magna Carta bought in 1946 by Harvard is confirmed authentic, a rare symbol of liberty and cornerstone of constitutional law.

In a stunning twist of historical fate, a document purchased for a mere $27.50 in 1946 by Harvard Law School has been confirmed as an authentic Magna Carta, the legendary charter of rights that challenged the unchecked power of kings. British researchers from King’s College London and the University of East Anglia uncovered this treasure while sifting through what were thought to be mere copies of the 1211 document. Professor David Carpenter, a medieval history expert, spotted the digital version on Harvard’s library website and suspected it was no ordinary reproduction.

A Symbol of Liberty Rediscovered
The Magna Carta, agreed to by King John of England, is celebrated as a cornerstone of constitutional law, establishing that no one—not even a king—is above the law. Until this discovery, only six originals from 1300 were known to exist. Harvard’s newly authenticated version, subjected to ultra-violet light and spectral imaging, joins this elite group, its faded parchment a testament to the enduring fight for freedom. Professor Nicholas Vincent called it 'a totem of liberty,' central to our understanding of a free-born people’s identity.

A Bargain That Rewrote History
Originally bought from a London book dealer, this Magna Carta’s authenticity elevates it from a dusty archive to a global icon. Its first line, with elongated letters and a bold capital E, matches the characteristics of other 1300 originals. This find isn’t just a win for historians—it’s a reminder that the principles of justice and liberty, scribbled centuries ago, still resonate. As Carpenter noted, this is no mere copy but a 'cornerstone of freedoms past, present, and yet to be won.'

Topics

Magna CartaHarvard Law Schoolauthentic documentKing Johnlibertyconstitutional lawmedieval historyfreedomHistoryUS NewsLiberty

Editor's Comments

Talk about a bargain! Harvard snagged a Magna Carta for less than a modern latte. Imagine King John’s face if he knew his legacy was sold for pocket change—guess even liberty comes with a clearance tag sometimes!

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