A rare copy of the 1898 Philippine Declaration of Independence was sold for a record-breaking P11.4 million during the Leon Gallery Magnificent September Auction, marking the highest price ever paid for a single document in the country’s history. The sale of this historic artifact outshone previous records, including a letter from Andres Bonifacio to Emilio Jacinto, which previously held the title at a much lower value.
The auction, known for offering coveted pieces of Filipino art and memorabilia, also saw other notable sales, including a Fernando Amorsolo masterpiece, “Under the Mango Tree,” which fetched P58 million. The event’s success highlighted the continued strong demand for significant Filipino works of art and historical items, even amid global economic concerns.
Leon Gallery’s founding director, Jaime Ponce de Leon, emphasized that the appeal for important pieces remains unwavering among collectors in the Philippines. Other standout sales included Juan Luna’s portrait of Adele della Rocca, sold for over P31 million, and works by Alfonso Ossorio and Benedicto Cabrera (Bencab).