Title:
Samuel Freeman Miller Signed Cut – PSA/DNA Certified, Auto Grade GEM MINT 10 (Cert #85616240)
Description:
Offered here is a beautifully penned cut signature from Samuel F. Miller, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, written in elegant black ink on lightly toned cream paper. The autograph reads:
“Autograph / of / Sam. F. Miller / Associate Justice / Supreme Court / U.S.” and is dated “1881” in the lower left.
This full-title inscription features Miller’s fluid and legible handwriting, with exceptional ink contrast and sharp presentation. Professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, the autograph has been awarded their top GEM MINT 10 auto grade, indicating perfect condition and display quality. Slabbed in PSA’s tamper-evident holder, this piece is a well-preserved artifact ideal for collectors of 19th-century judicial history.
Historical Context:
Samuel Freeman Miller (1816–1890) served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1862 until his death in 1890, appt. by President Abraham Lincoln. A respected legal scholar and former physician, Miller was a key voice during the Reconstruction era, authoring many of the Court’s early interpretations of the Fourteenth Amendment. Though often aligned with the more conservative wing of the Court in limiting federal oversight of civil rights protections, Miller nonetheless advocated for a strong federal government in matters of commerce and taxation. He wrote the majority opinion in the Slaughter-House Cases (1873), which greatly narrowed the scope of the privileges or immunities clause and shaped constitutional law for decades. As one of Lincoln’s most impactful judicial appointments, Miller left an indelible mark on the Court’s post–Civil War jurisprudence.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
PSA/DNA certified autograph, slabbed and graded GEM MINT 10.
-
Certification Number: 85616240
-
Label Details: “CUT – SAMUEL FREEMAN MILLER – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTO GRADE – GEM MINT 10”
-
Slab: PSA standard encapsulation with full visibility of the signed inscription and date.
-
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 signed cut from Justice Samuel F. Miller, complete with full judicial title and date, stands as a remarkable relic from one of the pivotal interpreters of the Reconstruction-era Constitution. With its PSA/DNA GEM MINT 10 grade and striking penmanship, this piece is a significant acquisition for collectors of Supreme Court history, Lincoln appointees, or constitutional scholars.
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.
