Nate D. Sanders Auctions: Ginsburg O'Connor Holiday Card Auction Begins

• A holiday card from the mid-1990s, featuring portraits of Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor, was put up for auction by Nate D. Sanders Auctions.
• The 5-by-7-inch card includes "Happy Hanukkah" above Ginsburg's likeness and "Merry Christmas" above O’Connor's, reflecting their respective faiths.
• Inside, the card is signed by Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her husband, Martin Ginsburg, and contains a handwritten note from Justice Ginsburg to friends, along with the message "From The Supremes."
• At the time the card was sent, Ginsburg and O’Connor were the only two women on the U.S. Supreme Court, with O'Connor joining in 1981 and Ginsburg 12 years later.
• The card, described as being in near-fine condition with a faint spot, had a minimum bid of $2,000 and bidding is scheduled to close today, Thursday, August 27, 2026, with no bids yet.

This Ginsburg O'Connor holiday card auction offers more than just a collectible; it provides a snapshot of a specific moment in time when these two legal titans, despite their differing judicial philosophies, shared a common bond as colleagues and trailblazers.

A unique piece of judicial history, a holiday card featuring the likenesses of late U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor, recently went up for auction. This distinctive 5-by-7-inch card, dating from the mid-1990s, was offered by Nate D. Sanders Auctions, drawing attention to its rare combination of legal and cultural significance.

The front of the card prominently displays portraits of the two pioneering justices. Above Justice Ginsburg's image, the greeting "Happy Hanukkah" is inscribed, reflecting her Jewish faith. Correspondingly, "Merry Christmas" appears above Justice O’Connor's likeness, acknowledging her Christian faith. This thoughtful detail underscores the personal beliefs of these influential figures while celebrating the holiday season.

Inside, the card bears the playful message, "From The Supremes," a clear nod to the iconic female musical trio. This reference held particular resonance at the time the card was sent, as Justices Ginsburg and O’Connor were the sole women serving on the nation's highest court. Justice O’Connor had joined the bench in 1981, with Justice Ginsburg following twelve years later, making their joint presence a powerful symbol of progress.

Adding to its personal touch, the card includes a handwritten note from Justice Ginsburg herself. Addressed to friends Davideen and Stuart Werner, the note expresses gratitude for holiday gifts intended for her grandchildren and conveys a wish: "May 1996 be a vintage year for you." The card is signed by both Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her husband, Martin Ginsburg, further cementing its authenticity and personal connection. Despite its age, the card is described as being in near-fine condition, with the only noted imperfection being a faint spot on its front surface.

The Ginsburg O'Connor holiday card auction commenced with a minimum bid set at $2,000. Bidding for this notable item is scheduled to conclude today, Thursday, August 27, 2026, as reported by Above the Law, and as of this morning, the current bid is $0. The auction provided a rare opportunity for collectors and legal enthusiasts to acquire a tangible link to two of the most significant figures in American legal history.

The card's condition, described as near-fine, highlights its preservation over the decades since its original mailing. The minor blemish, a faint spot on the front, does little to detract from its overall historical value and the clear legibility of the printed and handwritten elements. Such details are crucial for collectors, who often prioritize the integrity and provenance of historical documents.

The convergence of Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor on a single holiday card underscores their unique place in the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. As the first two women to serve on the high court, their presence together represented a monumental shift in American jurisprudence and societal norms. O'Connor, appointed in 1981, broke a significant barrier, and Ginsburg, appointed in 1993, further solidified the role of women at the highest echelons of the judiciary.

This Ginsburg O'Connor holiday card auction offers more than just a collectible; it provides a snapshot of a specific moment in time when these two legal titans, despite their differing judicial philosophies, shared a common bond as colleagues and trailblazers. The card's personalized messages and the playful "From The Supremes" inscription offer a rare glimpse into their personal lives and the camaraderie that could exist even within the solemn environment of the Supreme Court. It serves as a tangible reminder of their groundbreaking contributions and the era in which they served, making it a highly sought-after artifact for those interested in legal history and the legacies of these two extraordinary women.

This article reports on the auction of a historical artifact related to two prominent U.S. Supreme Court Justices. While of historical interest to legal professionals, it does not present any direct practical legal or compliance implications, new precedents, or actionable advice for lawyers or compliance officers.

Source: Original reporting via ABA Journal