On January 14, 2024 in the fever pitch of campaigning for the Iowa Caucuses, Donald Trump signed a piece of paper for a fan and donor. That paper was a programme from his 2017 inauguration and the signature makes it unique say the British collectibles company who are selling it.
Trump’s first inauguration on January 20, 2017 had all the usual pomp and circumstance of a presidential hand-over.
Including a handsomely produced programme: the Inauguration Ceremonies Program.
Everything that was broadcast to the world is recorded in this programme. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
Paul Fraser, Chairman of Paul Fraser Collectibles, who are selling the document, says: “It’s an exquisitely-produced document. Providing a detailed timetable and record of the day Donald Trump first became president of the United States.
“It’s an object that will only grow in importance as the years and decades pass.”
Around 200,000 of these programmes were printed. They were handed out to attendees at the Capitol. Others were given away to Republican donors.
One of those has now become unique.
The Trump signature is now a familiar sight, often on official documents. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
Mr Fraser says: “This is the only known Inauguration Ceremonies Program that bears the signature of Donald Trump himself.“
“This is a document that records arguably the most seismic presidential accession in the history of the United States. Signed by the President who made it happen.”
That famous autograph – spikey and angular – was signed in gold pen.
Trump signed it at a rally as he started his long journey back to the White House.
All US presidents are consequential historical figures with high demand for their signatures among collectors.
Accidents of history can make some extremely rare. William Henry Harrison caught a cold at his swearing in and died within months. Consequently, signed presidential documents from his administration are extremely rare and can be worth $100,000 or more.
James Garfield was murdered in 1881, just a few months after being elected. The tragedy makes his presidential documents very rare.
The killing of James Garfield very early in his term makes documents signed by him as president also rare and worth thousands of dollars.
Age produces rarity. And pioneers are always celebrated, so George Washington’s signature is valuable, particularly on historic documents.
Abraham Lincoln’s extremely consequential life and tragic death make him a favourite for presidential collectors. Just last month, handwritten notes from his childhood made over $500,000 at auction.
There is certainly a lively market in Trump collectibles and artefacts. Unusually, it’s one the President himself contributes to.
This signature is out of his hands though, and is for sale now for under £5,000 at the Paul Fraser Collectibles website.
“It’s one of the greatest bargains I’ve offered,” says Mr Fraser who says a signed invitation for the first Trump inauguration reliased over $11,000 at auction in 2024.
With attention the ultimate currency in these markets and a President keen to encourage it, Mr Fraser believes the item will sell quickly.
