Presidential Auction: How To Bid On A Piece Of US History

History buffs and memorabilia collectors can celebrate President's Day by taking advantage of a rare opportunity to own a piece of American history.

A special online auction that runs through Thursday features unique presidential items dating back to the original commander-in-chief, George Washington. For an opening bid of $2500, bidders can vie for a hand-written letter then-Gen. Washington penned to his supporters calling for a show of force during the Revolutionary War in 1781.

That’s just one of the historic items up for bid from Boston-based RR Auction. Mike Graff, a spokesperson for the auction house, told The Associated Press the items up for bid are meant to honor the “esteemed commanders-in-chief” that served as president.

“From the nation’s founding to modern times, these are the leaders who have guided the United States through times of war and peace,” he said.

A check signed by former President Andrew Jackson for the value of $507.21, paid to one Richard Smith in 1838, has a starting bid of $200. The auction site notes that Jackson made history twice in 1835. He was the first president to pay off the national debt, and the first to survive an assassination attempt.

The auction site says there are around 300 similar items up for bid. Those include locks of Washington and his wife Martha’s hair, a photograph signed by Abraham Lincoln, a Harvard University sweater worn by President John F. Kennedy, and a pen used to sign the treaty that ended World War I.

From the modern day, a photograph signed by President Joe Biden of the former vice president watching the raid that killed Osama bin Laden opens for $200. For an opening bid of $1,000, bidders can try to own a signed personal check from former President Donald Trump made payable to Steiner Sports Memorabilia Inc. for $909.99 in 2011.

Bidding is easy. Just click on the information below each item. The special presidential auction runs through Thursday.