Bank check, 7 x 2.75, completely filled out and signed by Lincoln as president-elect, “A. Lincoln,” payable to E. R. Wiley for $24.05, January 9, 1861. Cloth matted and framed with a circular portrait to an overall size of 21.5 x 13. In fine, clean condition, with usual cancellation cuts to body (two small areas of associated paper loss; neither cancellation affects any of the writing), and scattered creases.
Completed by Lincoln following his election as the nation’s 16th president, this check is drawn on the Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company, which had been founded by friends of Lincoln. He opened the account with $310 in 1853, and despite having essentially stopped practicing law during the presidential campaign was still able to deposit more than $4,600 into this account in 1860, using some of those funds to repay men like Mr. Wiley. When Lincoln departed Springfield in February 1861, he left this account open, undoubtedly planning to return to Illinois after his term in office had expired. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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