In 2005, Donald Trump doodled a simple sketch of Manhattan’s skyline, not featuring the Empire State or Chrysler building but the Trump tower, right in the middle, with a spiky line for a roof, resembling its stepped façade. Trump drew the sketch for a charity event against illiteracy and signed it in gold ink.
Via Nate Sanders Auction House
In July 2017, Trump’s simple sketch was sold for a sum of $29,184 to an unknown bidder, during an auction held by Nate D. Sanders Auctions at Los Angeles auction house which specializes in autographs and memorabilia. The bidding for the piece started with $9,000, and it received 11 offers before ending up with its current owner.
“You wouldn’t find $29,000 for a presidential autograph except for when you’re going back to the founding fathers or Abraham Lincoln,” said Nate Sanders, the auction house founder, to New York Times. “It’s an extremely high price, and it’s pretty much unprecedented for a modern president.”
With all the commotions that have accompanied Trump’s 6 months of presidency, one would not expect that his 11.5 x 9 inch-sketch would get sold for that much, however, the public relations director at Nate D. Sanders, Sam Heller, thinks otherwise.
“People will bid a lot of money for controversial political leaders’ artwork,” said Sam Heller to New York Times. “So the auction house is very pleased that it tripled the original bidding price.”
