US News
Magna Carta auctioned for 21 million dollars
Dec 19, 2007, 7:28 GMT
David Rubenstein (L), founder of the Carlyle Group, speaks to the press while standing in front of the Magna Carta after he purchased it for 21,321,000 US Dollars, during the auction of the famous document at Sotheby\'s in New York, New York, USA, 18 December 2007. The document is a 1297 charter issued by King Edward I that outlined the rights of man in English law and is one of less than 20 surviving examples copies. EPA/JUSTIN LANE
New York - A rare, 700-year-old copy of the Magna Carta sold late Tuesday in New York for 21 million dollars, Sotheby's auction house said.
Handwritten in 1297, the document is one of only about 20 known copies and the only one ever to come under the hammer at auction. All the others are owned by public entities.
It was owned for more than 20 years by the Perot Foundation, a charity founded by Texas billionaire Ross Perot, a computer services tycoon who ran as an independent presidential candidate in 1992 and 1996. The revenue from the sale is to support the foundation's charitable work.
The Magna Carta was first signed in 1215 to enshrine the rights of English nobles with King John. The charter remains the foundation of Britain's constitution.
The auction Magna Carta was a revision signed by English King Edward I.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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Older Talkback
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That is very kind of you to offer - but the 4 oldest editions from 1215 are already in the UK.
Of the other 13 surviving copies made in the 12th century, 11 are also in the UK. The other two are - 1 in Australia, and this USA version, dated 1297 is a relatively late copy
crebzmas - Let the yanks keep it - we don't need it anymore. All our rights are now controlled by the EU.
In a related story, David Rubenstein, founder of the Carlyle Group, announced today that he will be cutting the Magna Carta into 1000 pieces that will sell for Forty Two Thousand Dollars ($42,000.00) each.
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino, could confirm nor deny reports that President Bush is planning to buy a section, to use to 'wipe himself'
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crebzmasDec 19th, 2007 - 16:04:27
This extremely significant relic that embodies the beginnings of written law to protect rights and freedoms should return to England.
Although the American purchasing the relic may have a good head on their shoulders, the fact that the relic is to reside within the borders of the U.S. represents the leader of the free world dragging the rest down with them.
America will fall in the next 50 years, we should (u.k., australia etc.) start distancing ourselves from them now so we do not seal our own fate.
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