Title:
William McKinley PSA/DNA Certified Cut Autograph – Authentic Auto (#85787422)

Description:
Historic cut autograph of President William McKinley, boldly signed “Wm McKinley” in dark ink on a light-toned paper slip. Beneath the signature, McKinley has inscribed:

“Jan'y 25, 1896
Canton O”

The inscription references Canton, Ohio, McKinley’s longtime home and political base. The signature is strong and fluid, with clear presidential-era penmanship and excellent legibility. Light age toning and minor surface wear are consistent with the period, but the autograph remains visually striking.

The cut has been attractively matted with a black-and-white portrait of McKinley above and professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA in a tamper-evident slab for preservation and display.

The PSA/DNA label reads:

CUT
WILLIAM McKINLEY
PSA/DNA CERTIFIED
AUTHENTIC AUTO
Certification #85787422

Overall presentation is clean and highly displayable, combining portrait and autograph within the secure PSA holder.

Historical Context:
William McKinley (1843–1901) served as the 25th President of the United States from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. A Civil War veteran and longtime Congressman and Governor of Ohio, McKinley rose to national prominence during the pivotal election of 1896.

The date inscribed—June 25, 1896—falls during the critical period leading up to the 1896 presidential campaign, one of the most consequential elections in American history. The contest between McKinley and William Jennings Bryan centered on monetary policy (the gold standard vs. free silver), industrial growth, and America’s economic future. McKinley’s victory marked a major realignment in U.S. politics and ushered in an era of Republican dominance.

As president, McKinley led the nation during the Spanish-American War (1898), resulting in the United States acquiring overseas territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, signaling America’s emergence as a global power.

Authenticated autographs of McKinley remain highly collectible, particularly examples dated during the transformative 1896 campaign period and tied to Canton, Ohio—his political stronghold.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Encapsulated and certified by PSA/DNA.

• Certification Number: 85787422

• Designation: Authentic Auto

• Holder: PSA tamper-evident slab labeled “CUT – William McKinley”

The autograph and accompanying portrait are securely housed within the PSA slab for long-term preservation.

• 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:
A historically significant presidential autograph dated during the pivotal 1896 election season, this PSA/DNA-certified William McKinley cut offers strong visual appeal and meaningful political context. With clear inscription, period date, and professional encapsulation, it represents an excellent addition for collectors of U.S. presidents, Gilded Age political history, and investment-grade authenticated autographs.

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.