Description:

Sarah Polk
Nashville, TN, June 11, 1860
Sarah Polk Former First Lady Signed Check, 1860
DS

A partly-printed check engrossed and signed by Sarah Polk. Nashville, TN, June 11, 1860. Polk orders a payment of $200 to N.J. Fleming, signing at bottom right. Two cut cancels at middle lightly affect engrossment but are clear of signature. Evenly toned with a bleached line at center fold, overall good condition. Measures 6.75" x 2.5".

Sarah Polk (1803-1891) served as First Lady during the 1845-1849 presidency of her husband, 11th U.S. President James K. Polk (1795-1849). As president, Polk sought his wife's counsel on decisions, relied on her smart politicking and benefited from her popularity. Her active role in his presidency made her the most powerful woman of the era. Religious and conservative, she leveraged her privileges as a wealthy, childless and educated woman to become "the first openly political First Lady, in a period when the role of women was strictly circumscribed."

After James Polk died in 1849 and just three months after the end of his Presidency, Sarah returned to Polk Place and their plantation in Mississippi and oversaw their operations. She adopted an orphaned great-niece, who accompanied her everywhere. She died at Polk Place 42 years after her husband.

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 2.5"
  • Medium: DS

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April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
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$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