Harvard’s Magna carta Surprise: A $27.50 Discovery
CAMBRIDGE, MA – May 15, 2025 – Harvard University has announced the discovery of an original magna carta, a historic document from 1300. The artifact, purchased as a “copy” for a mere $27.50, was recently confirmed as authentic by British researchers.This unexpected find raises questions about its history along with its implications for the rule of law.
Harvard’s Magna Carta Surprise: A $27.50 Discovery
Harvard University, an elite institution in the United States, has announced the unexpected discovery of an original Magna Carta dating back to 1300. The document, initially purchased after World War II as a copy
for $27.50, was recently identified by British scientists as a genuine artifact.
A Fortuitous Find
The revelation came about almost by chance. David Carpenter, a professor of medieval history at King’s college in London, was conducting research in Harvard’s digital library when he stumbled upon a photograph of the supposed copy. His reaction, as he described to The Washington Post
, was one of astonishment: Oh, my God, this is an original.
Carpenter than consulted with his colleague, Nicholas vincent, who concurred with the assessment. Vincent noted that the layout, the text, the handwriting and the big E for Eduard
were all indicative of an original. He described the Magna Carta as one of the most famous documents in world history
in a statement from the university.
The Significance of the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta,first established in 1215,is a foundational document in the development of modern constitutions.It asserts the principle that the king is not above the law. King John, who reigned from 1199 to 1216, was compelled by English barons to acknowledge these rights. Later, his successors, Henry III and Edward I, reissued the document, with the 1300 version being the one discovered at Harvard.
Prior to this discovery,a notable purchase occurred in 2007 when the owner of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team acquired an original Magna Carta for $21.99 million. This document was subsequently donated to the National Archives in Washington.
A Timely Discovery?
Professor Carpenter highlighted the serendipitous timing of the discovery, noting its relevance in an era marked by challenges to the rule of law. He told The Washington post
that it was a lucky coincidence
that the document was found at a university under pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that he can’t just take away your country, but also has to adhere to the laws.
Trump has accused the university of being left-leaning and anti-Semitic, expressing a desire to exert greater control over the institution.
