Title:
President John Tyler Free Frank Signed Envelope Cover as President, Dated May 19, 1842 – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Auto #85865404
Description:
An exceptionally scarce presidential free frank envelope cover signed by John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States, and professionally authenticated by PSA/DNA. The cover bears Tyler's distinctive "J. Tyler" presidential free frank in the upper right corner, allowing the envelope to travel through the United States mail without postage during his administration.
Addressed to Elisha R. Potter of Kingston, Rhode Island, the cover features a bold red Washington, D.C. postal cancellation dated May 19, 1842, during Tyler's presidency. The reverse remains intact with its original sealed flap, further preserving the integrity of this remarkable nineteenth-century postal artifact.
The envelope has been professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA in a tamper-evident holder, ensuring its long-term preservation while showcasing one of the most desirable forms of presidential autograph collecting—a genuine presidential free frank used during the signer's administration.
Historical Context:
John Tyler (1790–1862) became the 10th President of the United States in 1841 following the death of President William Henry Harrison, becoming the first vice president in American history to assume the presidency upon the death of a sitting president. His assumption of full presidential powers established an important constitutional precedent that remained in place until the adoption of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment more than a century later.
During Tyler's administration, he championed westward expansion and signed legislation establishing the framework for the eventual annexation of Texas. His presidency also saw the conclusion of the Second Seminole War and the negotiation of the Webster–Ashburton Treaty in 1842, which peacefully resolved several boundary disputes between the United States and British North America.
Presidential free franks from Tyler's administration are highly sought after because they served both as official postal instruments and personally signed presidential endorsements. Surviving examples from his presidency are considerably scarcer than those of many later presidents, making them especially desirable for advanced collectors of presidential and postal history.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as an Authentic Auto.
- PSA/DNA Certification Number: 85865404
- PSA label identifies the item as: Free Frank – John Tyler – Authentic Auto
- Original presidential free frank envelope signed "J. Tyler" and postmarked Washington, D.C., May 19, 1842, during Tyler's presidency.
- Professionally encapsulated in a PSA/DNA tamper-evident holder for superior preservation, protection, and display.
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Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.
Closing Appeal:
This outstanding PSA/DNA-certified John Tyler presidential free frank represents an exceptional survivor from the early republic. Signed and mailed during Tyler's presidency, it combines presidential history, nineteenth-century postal history, and authentic executive correspondence into a single museum-quality artifact. Its rarity, historical importance, and outstanding provenance make it a cornerstone acquisition for advanced collections of United States presidents, early American history, and historic postal memorabilia.
Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.
