Description:

William McKinley
Canton, OH, November 7, 1880
Rare William McKinley Signed Check - The 1st We Have Auctioned!
Signed check
Canton Bank check, Canton, Ohio, dated November 7, 1880, and signed by William McKinley, who was then serving as a U.S. Congressman from Ohio and would later become the 25th President of the United States. The check is made out to Herb Saxton for $10.00 and features McKinley's elegant, bold signature at the lower right. The check displays an ornate red and gold design, and is marked with a Canton Bank cancellation stamp, confirming its processing. The reverse of the check carries multiple endorsements indicating that it was transferred between individuals—a common banking practice of the time. In fine condition, with expected toning and foxing, and slight smudging to signature, yet still very boldly signed. The check measures 6.75" x 2.75."

This is the first McKinley check that we have auctioned at University Archives.

By 1880, William McKinley was an emerging political figure in Ohio, having recently completed his service in the Union Army during the Civil War and embarking on a promising career in public service. That same year, he won re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he became a leading advocate for protective tariffs—a stance that would define much of his economic policy. Throughout the 1880s and early 1890s, McKinley rose to national prominence, serving as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and later as Governor of Ohio (1892–1896), where he championed industrial growth and labor protections. His political ascent culminated in his landslide presidential victory in 1896, where he defeated William Jennings Bryan, ushering in an era of economic expansion and global influence for the United States. As 25th President (1897–1901), McKinley led the nation through the Spanish-American War, securing key territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, before his tragic assassination in 1901, making way for his progressive successor, Theodore Roosevelt.

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: 6.75" x 2.75."
  • Medium: Signed check

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March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000