How many original copies of the Magna Carta exist?

BRY2K

Only two copies of the Magna Carta exist outside Britain, one in Australia and the one Sotheby's is auctioning off. While that original edict was initially ignored and John died the next year, its key ideas were included in other variations over the next few decades, most notably the right of Habeas Corpus, which protects citizens against unlawful imprisonment. More than 800 years later, about 17 copies survive, and one of those, signed by King Edward I in 1297, will go up for sale Dec. 18 at Sotheby's. The document, which Sotheby's vice chairman David Redden calls "the most important document in the world," is expected to fetch a record $20-30 million. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-12-07-magna-carta_N.htm Jun 24 08, 9:35 PM

Professer

There are a number of copies in the UK, One in Lincoln Cathedral which i have seen. Another i know of is at the British Libary. But the exact number of copies sent out from the royal chancery in 1215 is not known. http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/themes/histtexts/magnacarta.html Jun 25 08, 12:49 AM