Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan Signed Cut PSA Mint 9 Auto

Title:
John Marshall Harlan Signed Cut – PSA/DNA Certified, Auto Grade MINT 9 (Cert #85616242)

Description:
This is an exceptionally bold and beautifully penned cut signature from John Marshall Harlan, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, signed in rich brown ink. The inscription reads:
“With Sent[iments], John M. Harlan, Associate Justice, Sup. Ct. U.S., 1881.”
The autograph is executed in Harlan’s distinctive hand on cream paper, and remains remarkably strong and legible, with the ink showing no significant fading. The cut has been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA and awarded a Mint 9 auto grade, highlighting its near-flawless condition. Neatly preserved within PSA's protective slab, the item offers a clear view of the full inscription and date.

Historical Context:
John Marshall Harlan (1833–1911) served as an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1877 to 1911, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most principled and forward-thinking jurists of his era. A former slaveholder who underwent a personal transformation during and after the Civil War, Harlan became the Court’s leading voice in defense of civil rights during the Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction periods. He is best remembered for his powerful lone dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), where he opposed the doctrine of “separate but equal,” stating that the Constitution is “color-blind.” Though widely overlooked in his own time, Harlan’s dissent would later become foundational in the legal reasoning behind Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and the modern civil rights movement. His presence on the Court marked a bridge between the Civil War era and 20th-century constitutional evolution.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
PSA/DNA certified autograph, slabbed and graded Mint 9.

• Certification Number: 85616242

• Label Details: “CUT – JOHN MARSHALL HARLAN – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTO GRADE – MINT 9”

• Slab: PSA standard encapsulation with full visibility of the signed inscription.

• 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 example of Justice John Marshall Harlan’s autograph, complete with title and date, offers collectors a rare connection to one of the Supreme Court’s most visionary and morally courageous figures. With a PSA/DNA MINT 9 grade and a powerful inscription from the early years of his judicial tenure, this is a historically rich and beautifully preserved piece ideal for collectors of legal, judicial, or civil rights 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.