Watch CBS News

Boston-based auction sells "exceedingly rare" theater tickets from Abraham Lincoln's assassination

Theater tickets from night of Abraham Lincoln's assassination sold for $262,500
Theater tickets from night of Abraham Lincoln's assassination sold for $262,500 00:22

BOSTON – An "exceedingly rare" piece of American history was sold by a Boston-based auction house for a hefty price.

RR Auction sold a pair of tickets to Ford's Theatre from the night of April 14, 1865 for $262,500.

That was the night President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth during the show.

The original tickets were sold for 75 cents apiece.

"These front-row seats to history allowed the original theatergoers to witness a tragic performance that changed the course of our nation," said Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction. "We're honored to have played a part in preserving and sharing this remarkable piece of American history." 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.