Einstein's 1929 handwritten letter filled with equations sold for $71,811
A handwritten letter from Albert Einstein to mathematician Chaim Herman Muntz, dating back to 1929, has sold at auction for $71,811. The document details Einstein's scientific exploration of Hamiltonian mechanics and his efforts toward a unified theory of physics.
Why it matters
The sale highlights the enduring historical and financial value of scientific artifacts and personal correspondence from major historical figures.
A handwritten letter in which Albert Einstein explained a mathematical problem to a fellow researcher nearly 100 years ago has sold for $71,811 at an auction. The document, believed to have been mailed around 1929, contains a page of equations and notes addressed to mathematician Chaim Herman Muntz. It was sold by RR Auction last week, along with the original envelope in which it had been sent from Germany.According to the auction house, the letter offers a look at a scientific discussion between Einstein and Muntz during the late 1920s. Written in German and signed "A. Einstein", the document measures 8.75 by 11 inches. Its exact date is unknown, but the envelope carries a postmark from Potsdam, Germany, apparently dating to 1929.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in