Antiques Roadshow guest says 'whoa' after learning value of 18-year-old son's letter written by famous person

An Antiques Roadshow guest had an understandable response after learning the value of a letter written by a historical figure.

Sure, it might seem like a standard daytime TV fixture but the long-running show often provides some bangers as people uncover hidden treasures.

Like the guy who bought a Rolex for £300 in the 70s learning it’s worth an eye-watering amount or the teen whose jaw dropped over the life-changing value of a box.

Appearing on an old episode of the US version of Antiques Roadshow, a pair of guests presented a very well-kept, hand-written letter that belonged to the bloke’s great grandfather.

The 'pristine' letter (PBS)

And it wasn’t written by any old famous person, but rather Abraham Lincoln himself back in 1841. According to the guest, the letter is also addressed to his great-great grandfather.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen an Abraham Lincoln letter of such feeling, it is absolutely one of the most emotional Lincoln letters you’ll ever see,” the expert said.

“You always think of Lincoln being so calm and steady and sedate. Even the handwriting in this letter is agitated and almost angry.”

She pointed out that it was obvious the 16^th US president was writing to ‘a close friend’ because he signed it just ‘Lincoln’.

“[He] is writing to your great grandfather about a man by the name of William Walters who was up for re-election in 1841 and Abraham Lincoln did not like him one little bit,” the expert explained.

She added how Lincoln’s close friend was running against him before going on to read a line from the letter: “I have just learned with utter astonishment htat you have some notion of voting for Walters, this certainly cannot be true.

“It cannot be that one so true, firm and unwavering as you have ever been can for a moment think of such a thing.”

The expert was very impressed (PBS)

She explained that while the letter is undated, they can estimate when it was written from the context. Plus, because the condition of the letter is absolutely ‘pristine’, the value really ramps up.

“Something like this would be in the ballpark of $75,000 to $125,000 at auction.”

And both guests gave a surprised response as they said they ‘had no idea’ it could be worth so much, as they exclaimed: "Whew. Woah."

“This belongs to my 18 year old son right now,” the woman explained.

“Well your 18-year-old son has something very wonderful to keep in the safe deposit box,” the expert continued. “It’s an absolutely wonderful piece of Americana.”