Christie’s auction house is set to present a unique sale featuring items from the collection of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. This special auction, titled “The American Collector,” will take place in January, with items displayed at Rockefeller Center in New York City from January 16 to 22.
Among the treasures up for bid is a touching handwritten birthday note from President Carter to Rosalynn, dated August 18, 1978, in which he expresses his affection for her, saying, “It’s nice to be growing old together with you.” This personal correspondence reflects the deep bond the couple shared throughout their lives.
The auction will also feature various memorabilia, including political campaign buttons from Carter’s career, a handcrafted wooden coffee table, his evocative painting of a mountain waterfall, and distinctive scarves adorned with peanuts, a nod to the former president’s Georgia roots. Notably, a portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit a charitable organization established by the Carter family, which supports projects in the rural Georgia community that holds a special place in their hearts.
Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian ever to have been elected president, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, while Rosalynn Carter died in 2023 at 96. Their lifelong partnership and dedication to service continue to inspire many, making this auction not only a reflection of their legacy but also a celebration of enduring love and community support.