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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Polk, James K. (1795-1849) Authority to affix the seal to pardon of William F. Sterling, convicted of counterfeiting.

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01980 Author/Creator: Polk, James K. (1795-1849) Place Written: Washington, D.C Type: Document signed Date: circa 1846 Pagination: 1 p.+ 9 coins [framed] 24 x 22 cm + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 24.7 x 18 cm Order a Copy

Sterling was convicted of passing counterfeit coin. Pardon framed with counterfeit coins and "fool's gold." One bust engraving of James K. Polk included as collateral.

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