Harvard University unknowingly possessed a rare 1300 Magna Carta, purchased for under $30 in 1946. Researchers David Carpenter and Nicholas Vincent authenticated the document, one of only seven known copies from that year. Using spectral imaging, they verified its authenticity by comparing it to other existing versions. The document's provenance was traced back to a World War I flying ace and ultimately, possibly, to the Appleby manor in England. Harvard plans to keep this priceless artifact, estimated to be worth millions.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.