This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/20/2024
Offered is a cut signature of Democratic Missouri Senator David Rice Athison, who is often regarded as serving as President of the United States for ONE DAY on March 4, 1849! In point of fact, outgoing President James Polk's term did expire on that day at noon, and his successor Zachary Taylor refused to take the oath of office that day, which was a Sunday. Atchison's claim to his one-day Presidency is based on his position as President pro tempore of the Senate and, as such, as Acting Vice President, under the presidential succession law of the time, Atchinson would have been, in the eyes of some, Acting President, until Taylor was sworn in on the next day. Historians, constitutional scholars, and biographers reject this claim, but who honestly cares? It's a very cool anomoly of constitutional history! The cut measures 3 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches and is signed "David R Atchison Missouri". Encapsulated Authentic by Beckett Authentic.