Wealthy Art Connoisseur Ken Griffin Acquires Lincoln's Manuscript of the 13th Amendment for a Price Tag of $13.7 Million.
Billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin, the founder of the hedge fund Citadel, has made a significant impact on the world of history and art by acquiring several rare and historic documents. Most notably, in 2021, he purchased a first-edition copy of the U.S. Constitution for a record-breaking $43.2 million[1].
This year, Griffin continued his pursuit of significant historical artifacts by securing President Abraham Lincoln's handwritten copy of the 13th Amendment and a rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation at a Sotheby's auction[2]. Both documents set price records for their kind, with the 13th Amendment selling for $13.7 million and the Emancipation Proclamation for $4.4 million[1][2].
Griffin's approach to preserving these documents is focused on public education and inspiration. He believes each generation should have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by these "sacred documents of our democracy"[1]. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, he plans to lend his copies of the Constitution and the 13th Amendment to institutions such as the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for public exhibition[2].
Griffin's philanthropic efforts extend beyond the acquisition and preservation of these historic documents. He has made significant donations to cultural institutions, including a $15 million gift to the National Constitution Center, to support their efforts in displaying these artifacts for public benefit[2].
Griffin's art holdings include modernist and contemporary masterpieces by artists such as Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Paul Cézanne, Jasper Johns, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and many others[1]. His philosophy centers on preserving these documents as inspirational artifacts that embody America's journey towards a more perfect union, and ensuring they are accessible for educational purposes to all Americans[1][2].
| Document | Acquisition Details | Preservation & Display Approach | |---|---|---| | U.S. Constitution (first-edition copy) | Purchased in 2021 for $43.2 million | Lent to National Constitution Center for public exhibition | | Emancipation Proclamation (rare copy) | Purchased in 2025 for $4.4 million | Plans to lend to U.S. institutions; emphasizes public inspiration | | Thirteenth Amendment (rare copy) | Purchased in 2025 for $13.7 million | Similar plans for lending and public education | | Early printing precursor to Bill of Rights | Owned, lent for exhibitions | Supports institutional exhibitions, public accessibility |
[1] "Billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin Acquires Lincoln's Handwritten 13th Amendment," Sotheby's, 2025. [2] "Griffin's Historic Document Collection Now Includes the 13th Amendment," National Constitution Center, 2025.
- Ken Griffin, the prominent art collector and financier, added contemporary art pieces from artists like Willem de Kooning, Jasper Johns, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby to his impressive collection.
- At a recent contemporary art auction, Griffin outbid other collectors to secure a stunning modernist painting that now graces the walls of his private museum.
- In addition to his interest in modern and contemporary art, Griffin is known for his passionate investment in American history, having acquired several significant historical documents.
- Last year, Griffin donated a portion of his collection to a museum, providing the public with an unprecedented opportunity to view and learn from these priceless historical artifacts.
- The impact of his philanthropy can also be seen in the world of art, with Griffin’s financially-savvy support helping to fund the renovation and expansion of a prominent art museum in New York City.
