Description:

John F. Kennedy
n.p., ca. 1961-1963
John F. Kennedy's Personally Owned Philippine Cigar, Gifted During Cuban Embargo!
Other

An unopened Philippine cigar gifted to 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) by Philippine officials, ca. 1961-1963, handsomely presented in a striking framed display. N.p. The plastic-wrapped Coronas Alhambra cigar is mounted with micro filament in a shadowbox opening at center, between a glossy color photo showing Kennedy smoking a cigar at top, and an engraved plaque at bottom. The cigar measures approximately 5.5" long. Matted and framed behind glass, and not examined out of the frame. In very good to near fine condition, with isolated nicks to the frame. The frame overall measures 14.5" x 21.5" x 1."

The cigar appears fresh and dry, and is still stored in a cellophane sheath printed in gold lettering: "SPECIALLY MADE FOR / PRESIDENT KENNEDY." Its red and gold label and black band are emblazoned "Choicest Philippine Tobacco / Sumatra Wrapper"

The 8" x 10" color photograph, reprinted from an original retrieved from the collection of the JFK Presidential Library & Museum, shows President Kennedy smoking a cigar while reading the sports section of "The New York Times" on Saturday, August 31, 1963. The President was enjoying a few moments of leisure time aboard the Presidential yacht "Honey Fitz," then floating off the coast of Hyannis Port, Massachusetts on Labor Day weekend.

The plaque is engraved: "John F. Kennedy Personally Owned Cigar / 'The Best in the World' / received after he banned importation of all Cuban products / including cigars and just after the Cuban Missile Crisis. / Included is a photograph purchased from the JFK Library."

President John F. Kennedy had received cigars as gifts from Philippine Presidents and Ambassadors since his inauguration. The JFK Presidential Library & Museum collection includes numerous pieces of correspondence relating to cigars. Provenance for this lot includes photocopies of letters from April 1961 to January 1963:

1. Photocopy of letter from Carlos P. Romulo, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, dated April 16, 1961, to President Kennedy: "When the Manila papers recently published a picture of yours holding a cigar, a Philippine newspaper suggested that it may be a good idea to let you sample what we believe are the best cigars in the world. President Garcia has asked me to extend to you his personal greetings and to present you with these boxes of Philippine cigars with his compliments and best wishes. I should have presented them to you personally but knowing how budgeted your time is and how critical these days are, rather than add to your heavy schedule I sent them to Secretary Salinger with the request that they be handed to you…"

2. Photocopy of a retained unsigned letter from President Kennedy to President of the Philippines Carlos P. Garcia, dated May 1, 1961, sending thanks for the cigars.

3. Photocopy of letter from Romulo to Press Secretary Pierre Salinger, dated July 19, 1961: "I have just returned from the Philippines and I bring with me the best cigars in the World – our Philippine cigars – and I am sending you these two boxes, one for the President and the other one for you, with my best wishes. With cordial personal regards…"

4. Photocopy of letter from President Kennedy to Amelito R. Mutuc, Philippine Ambassador to the United States, dated January 21, 1963: "Dear Mr. Ambassador: I have received the handsome, personalized, mahogany box of very fine cigars that you so thoughtfully sent to me. It was indeed kind of you to send such a generous supply of this excellent product. I know I will enjoy them and consider your gift another demonstration of the warm friendship existing between our countries…"

A superb piece of Kennedyiana, perfect for any enthusiastic cigar enthusiast!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: framed: 14.5" x 21.5" x 1"
  • Medium: Other

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October 8, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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