Title:
Richard Nixon & Spiro Agnew Signed 1973 Presidential Inauguration Invitation – PSA/DNA Certified Auto Slabbed Display, Certification #84645959
Description:
Official printed invitation issued for the January 20, 1973 inauguration of President Richard Milhous Nixon and Vice President Spiro Theodore Agnew, elegantly engraved in formal script with the seal of the Presidential Inaugural Committee at the top center. The invitation bears bold autograph signatures from both Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew in blue ink, prominently signed on the front of the document.
The invitation text reads in part:
“The Inaugural Committee requests the honor of your presence to attend and participate in the Inauguration of Richard Milhous Nixon as President of the United States of America and Spiro Theodore Agnew as Vice-President of the United States of America on Saturday the twentieth of January one thousand nine hundred and seventy-three in the City of Washington.”
The piece exhibits attractive aging and toning consistent with its age, while the reverse displays visible discoloration and adhesive residue from prior mounting or storage methods. Despite the noted wear on the reverse, the front presentation remains visually impressive, with both signatures standing out clearly against the cream-colored invitation stock.
Historical Context:
Richard Nixon’s second inauguration on January 20, 1973 marked the beginning of what would become one of the most turbulent periods in modern American political history. Nixon had won a landslide reelection victory in 1972, carrying 49 states against Democratic challenger George McGovern. However, only months after this inauguration, the Watergate scandal escalated dramatically, eventually leading to Nixon’s resignation in August 1974 — the first resignation of a sitting U.S. president in American history.
Vice President Spiro Agnew would also resign during Nixon’s second term after pleading no contest to tax evasion charges in October 1973. As a result, this dual-signed inaugural invitation represents a remarkably specific and historically charged moment: the ceremonial beginning of a presidential term that quickly unraveled amid scandal and constitutional crisis.
Items signed by both Nixon and Agnew together are increasingly desirable to collectors due to the historical significance of the administration and the comparatively limited availability of official inaugural material signed by both men.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as an “Authentic Auto.” The PSA label identifies the piece as an “Invitation – R. Nixon, Agnew,” with certification number 84645959. The encapsulation provides long-term preservation while allowing full visibility of both signatures and the complete invitation design.
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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 dual-signed 1973 inaugural invitation captures a pivotal moment in American political history, linking two of the most controversial figures of the modern presidency on an official ceremonial document issued for one of the nation’s most important constitutional traditions. Combining strong display appeal, presidential history, and PSA/DNA authentication, this piece offers exceptional value for collectors of presidential autographs, political memorabilia, and Watergate-era artifacts.
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.