Autographs
1882 Newspaper Publisher Joseph Pulitzer Signed Check
JOSEPH PULITZER (1847-1911). Famous Hungarian-American Newspaper Publisher, Namesake of the Pulitzer Prizes.
June 7, 1882-Dated, Partially-Printed Document Signed, “Joseph Pulitzer,” 1 page, 8” x 3.25”, PSA/DNA Certified GEM MINT-10. Being a business check for the “Office of The Post-Dispatch,” one of Pulitzer’s newspapers, in the amount of $400, filled out in another hand and signed by Pulitzer. Some light soiling to check, cut-cancelled in center well away from Pulitzer’s signature, which is quite crisp and dark. Housed in an official PSA/DNA holder Certified as GEM MINT 10.
Joseph Pulitzer (April 18, 1847 – October 29, 1911) was a Hungarian-American publisher best known for establishing the prestigious Pulitzer Prizes for excellence in journalism. Along with William Randolph Hearst he was also responsible for originating yellow journalism. He operated several newspapers throughout his life, geared towards “lively human-interest stories, scandal, and sensational material,” exposing fraud and political corruption as well as introducing comic strips and other entertainment sections to make for more lively reading.

Although for a while he focused on increasing sales by any means possible, later in life Pulitzer abandoned this approach, investing instead in quality journalism, particularly investigative reporting to reveal social problems. He thus sought to establish the school of journalism at Columbia University and the prizes that bear his name to ensure excellence in his profession.