Signed Abraham Lincoln Portrait Sells for $149,020

A rare photograph donated by the president to aid Union families fetched six figures at a recent auction.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy

Signed Abraham Lincoln Portrait Sells for $149,020

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Should historical artifacts found in private homes be donated to public museums for preservation?

A signed portrait of Abraham Lincoln has sold at auction for $149,020. The 2.25 by 4-inch photo was originally part of a collection donated by Lincoln in 1864 to support families of Union soldiers.

Why it matters

The sale highlights the historical significance of Lincoln's personal philanthropy, as he provided the photographs when he could not supply federal funds directly to the organization.

The auctioned photograph measures 2.25 by 4 inches and was one of six portraits donated by Lincoln to the Soldiers' Aid Society. PSA/DNA authenticated the item prior to the sale.

The players

Abraham Lincoln

He served as the 16th President of the United States and famously guided the nation through the American Civil War.

Anthony Berger

He was a notable 19th-century photographer who captured several iconic portraits of Abraham Lincoln.

Soldiers' Aid Society

This organization operated in Westford, Massachusetts, to provide support and supplies to Union soldiers and their families during the Civil War.

The details

The photograph was discovered in an old desk inside a family home. Its history and provenance were confirmed by an accompanying 1924 newspaper clipping found within the frame.

February 9, 1864: Anthony Berger captured the original photograph.
December 14, 1864: The Soldiers' Aid Society held the fundraising event where the item was first acquired.
1924: A newspaper clipping documented the history of the donation.

Market Landscape

The auction result highlights the enduring value of items from the 1864 Soldiers' Aid Society fundraising campaign. This sale follows a pattern set by the historical collection efforts of the Society during the Civil War.

For collectors, this sale reinforces the importance of maintaining documentation like the 1924 clipping, which is vital for authenticating historical provenance. Those with family heirlooms should verify their history to ensure accurate appraisal and insurance coverage.

The takeaway

Historical artifacts found in personal collections can carry significant value when their provenance is properly documented. Homeowners are encouraged to check old desks or storage for similar historical clippings that could confirm the authenticity and history of found items.