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Frequently Asked Questions
The Declaration of Independence: Original and Reproductions
The following information is from the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Original Copy: There is only one signed original of the Declaration of Independence. It is in the National Archives building in Washington, D.C.
Measurements: 24 ½ inches wide and 29 ¾ high.
Printed Copies:
John Dunlap, “The Dunlap Broadside”
Printed copies without signatures of all signers were made July 4, 1776.
Only two names appear - John Hancock and Charles Thompson, Secretary of Congress.
Measurements: Approximately 14 inches wide and 18 inches high.
Bottom line reads: “Philadelphia: Printed by John Dunlap”
The text appears in fixed print, not calligraphy.
Only 24 copies are known to exist. These are the most valuable copies.
NOTE: This version has been printed in many sizes and formats as souvenirs.
Mary Katherine Goddard, 1777
Congress authorized a second printing on 18 January 1777.
This version was the first to contain all signers’ names.
William J. Stone, 1823
Reproductions of signed original measuring the same size: 24 ½ inches wide and 29 3/4 inches high.
Stone’s name appears in the upper left corner:
“Engraved by W.J. Stone for the Dept. of State, by order,” [upper left corner]
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of J. Q. Adams, Sec. Of State July 4th 1823” [upper right corner]
There were 200 official copies printed. These have some value.
If Stone’s name appears in lower left corner, it may be an unofficial copy. These show “W.J. Stone SC. Washn.” in lower left corner.
Copies of a different size [not 24 ½ x 29 ¾]; with or without Stone’s name, must be printed copies with the text reduced in size through a photographic process.
NOTE: The Stone version is the most frequently reproduced version of the document.
Declaration of Independence Facts:
The words, “Original Declaration of Independence, dated 4th July 1776” appear on the back of the original.
On 19 July 1776 Congress ordered a single copy of the Declaration engrossed on official parchment.
Delegates signed the pen and ink “official” Declaration on 2 August 1776.
The original was not written on paper. It was engrossed on parchment.
Parchment is made from an animal skin specially treated with lime and stretched to create a strong, long-lasting writing support. Engrossing is the process of preparing a document in large, clear hand.
The printed version is on paper.
For More Information: Visit the National Archives web site: http://www.archives.gov
compiled by Keith Schrum, Curator of Books & Manuscripts, 2005
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