Nearly 70 rare pieces of American history worth an estimated $6 million from late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay’s massive and unique collection are heading to auction next month.
“The Jim Irsay Collection: Icons of History” opens on July 1 at Christie’s Auction House, following a free publication exhibition of rare artifacts from American history running from June 25-30.
Among the notable items in the latest installment of the collection’s series of auctions is the first official facsimile of the original signed manuscript of the Declaration of Independence (estimated value: $2 million to $3 million) and the working manuscript of “Alcoholics Anonymous,” complete with handwritten notations and edits by authors Bill Wilson and Hank Parkhurst ($1 million to $2 million).
Irsay was the owner of the NFL’s Colts for 28 years until he died in 2025. He also owned one of the world’s largest collections of musical instruments, American history artifacts and pop culture items. His collection is perhaps best known for its rare guitars and other items owned and played by some of the greatest musical artists in history, including The Beatles, Kurt Cobain, Bob Dylan, Elton John and John Coltrane.
An 1823 stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence from the Jim Irsay Collection. (Photo courtesy of Christie’s)
Much of Irsay’s collection sold for a staggering $94,484,903 — three-and-a-half times its low estimate and the largest total of any memorabilia auction in history — over four auctions held between March 3 and 17, three of which were live and one online. The auctions broke 28 world records, including the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction ($14.55 million for David Gilmour’s “Black Strat”).
“Icons of History,” the next installment in The Jim Irsay Collection Series and part of Christie’s celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, is valued at approximately $6 million.
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The“Alcoholics Anonymous” manuscript, known as “The Big Book,” was purchased by Irsay in 2018 for $2.4 million and was among his most prized possessions.
“Our dad was passionate and thoughtful when it came to assembling The Jim Irsay Collection. He loved every item he acquired but was asked many times which he would save if he only could save one. His answer was always ‘The Big Book,’” Irsay’s daughters and now-part-owners of the Colts, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, said in a statement. “Our dad understood the struggles countless people everywhere face every day and wanted so badly to bring hope and relief to anyone who was suffering. This manuscript did just that by introducing the 12-step program to the world and saving millions of lives everywhere. As he was fond of saying, its sheer impact on the world makes it one of the most impactful books ever written.
“He acquired ‘The Big Book’ to preserve and protect it, but also to continue sharing its knowledge with the world. Now it’s time for the next chapter in the life of the book, and we will honor our dad’s commitment to helping others by donating 100 percent of the proceeds of its sale to philanthropy that was close to his heart. The new owner of The Big Book will become its steward for the future but also will be providing significant funds to a great cause.”
The Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book” manuscript from the Jim Irsay Collection. (Photo courtesy of Christie’s)
Irsay transformed his collection into a “traveling museum” throughout his lifetime, hosting exhibits across the United States through which the public could view the artifacts for free. He also loaned items to museums and nonprofits and referred to himself as the “steward” of the collection, rather than its “owner.” Following Irsay’s death in 2025, his family decided to put the collection up for auction.
Larry Hall, curator of the Jim Irsay Collection and former longtime Colts employee, also remembers “The Big Book” as one of his late friend’s favourite pieces.
“If you could only pick one thing that’s gonna be saved and there’s an earthquake, what’s it gonna be? That would be the original manuscript to the AA Big Book, and that transcends artifacts. That has literally saved millions of lives. … That particular piece is something that was very, very special to him.” Hall told The Athletic in December. “Coincidentally, it was the first time I was at an auction as his proxy, and I remember when we were the winning bidders, and he said, ‘Larry, I don’t care what it costs, if it helps one person to see that book, it’ll be worth every penny.’”
All proceeds of the sale of “The Big Book” will be donated to philanthropic causes close to Irsay, a mental health advocate throughout his lifetime.
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