Dallas-based Heritage Auctions has a rare book about to cross the block, a piece expected to fetch six figures at auction.
This collection of essays — first published in 1787 — has never been more popular.
Most of us learned about the Federalist Papers in school: They're 85 essays written by John Jay, James Madison and of course, Alexander Hamilton.
Hamilton wrote the vast majority of the essays, which were authored to encourage ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
And he's hotter now than ever: The musical hit " Hamilton" has tour stops this spring in Dallas and next year in Fort Worth. People of all ages sing and rap along in Lin Manuel Miranda's memorable show about one of America's founding fathers.
Now collectors will have a chance to bid on a copy of the Federalist Papers through Heritage Auctions, but they better have some fiscal fitness.
"This book is estimated at $75,000, which means we're going to start the bidding at $75,000," says Rare Books Director James Gannon. "But we expect this should get up between $120,000 to $150,000."
Gannon says this copy is special because the original owner didn't trim the pages or put it in a custom binding, so it's about as raw as it gets.
As far as a musical inspiring people to bid? Gannon doesn't think so.
"If they're going to pay $100,000 or $150,000 for a book, they already know about Hamilton and John Jay and James Madison," he says.
People just turned onto the Hamilton hype might be better off watching the auction on March 6. Soundtrack blaring, of course.
Rare Copy of Federalist Papers in Publisher’s Boards Offered In Heritage Auctions’ Rare Books Auction https://t.co/Rbc2dZ5DHB pic.twitter.com/ufrbNfg3yR— Heritage Auctions (@HeritageAuction) February 8, 2019
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