That antique New York Herald in your attic is almost certainly a worthless reprint

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: If you own a copy of the New York Herald dated April 15, 1865, you likely possess a mass-produced souvenir rather than a piece of history. While the original editions reporting the assassination of Abraham Lincoln are rare, countless low-quality reprints have circulated for decades, often identifiable by their cheap wood pulp paper.

The New York Herald, founded by James Gordon Bennett Sr. in 1835, became a titan of American journalism by prioritizing sensationalism over partisan loyalty. By 1861, it boasted a circulation of 84,000, claiming to be the most widely read journal globally. Its aggressive reporting style—which included pioneering the 'extra' edition—made it a household name, eventually lending its title to New York's famous Herald Square.

The paper’s coverage of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination on April 15, 1865, remains its most famous historical footprint. Because news of the tragedy reached the office by telegraph, the Herald produced multiple editions throughout the day, ranging from a 2:00 a.m. regular edition to various special afternoon issues. These originals were printed on high-quality rag paper, with distinct variations in column layouts and news bulletins that allow historians to authenticate them today.

In contrast, the vast majority of surviving copies are modern reprints. These are typically printed on dark, brittle wood pulp paper and often feature tell-tale signs like advertisements for 'Dr. Archambault's Paris Vital Sparks' or 'Grain-0 Coffee.' Many of these reprints incorrectly claim to be an 8:10 a.m. 'Mourning Edition,' a version that experts have never been able to verify as an original. While the Herald continued to innovate under James Gordon Bennett Jr.—launching a successful Paris edition and financing expeditions for Henry Morton Stanley—the market for its 1865 'souvenirs' remains a classic case of historical misidentification.

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