President Obama probably doesn't have much time to write hand-written letters these days, so you would think that if you were the honorary recipient of POTUS correspondence, you'd cherish that document forever. Well, one of Obama’s grade school teachers, who received a note from the president on his 80th birthday, would rather have his signature on a check. The teacher, who wants to remain anonymous, is trying to cash in on the note by putting it up for sale with an asking price of $12,500.
The letter, which is written on official White House notepaper and is headed with the Seal of the President of the United States, starts off with the president wishing his former teacher a happy birthday, and saying that he has “Very fond memories of Punahou, and am grateful for educators like you that made such a difference in the lives of so many young people —including me.” The president goes on to wish “Bill,” and his wife a “joyous celebration.”
The letter is being sold on a first-come first-serve basis by Moments in Time, a Los Angeles-based autograph and manuscript dealer.
Gary Zimet, the president of Moments in Time, said, “It is an honor to purvey such a great letter.” He also confirmed that he is selling the letter confidentially, as Bill’s identity is still unknown to the public. The president has yet to make a comment on the possible sale, but perhaps the letter’s second owner will treat the letter with a bit more care.
Recently, Obama celebrated with another senior citizen by inviting 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin to the White House. During her visit, McLaurin even got to share a dance with the president and first lady.

(Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)