#78 • Benny Benson Signed Alaska State Flag

Part of March 2023 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $750.00

Status: Sold

Category: Alaskana

An Alaska Purchase (1867-1967) Centennial Flag signed by the Alaska State Flag designer, Benny Benson (1912-1972). Benny, an Alaska Native born in Chignik, beat a field of approximately 700 other students to win a territory wide contest sponsored by the Alaska Department of the American Legion 32 years prior to Alaska becoming a state when he was only 14 years old. In the process, Benny won a $1000 cash prize, engraved watch, and trip to Washington, D.C; but more importantly created an icon that would allow Alaska to fly a flag other than the United States flag, the only flag that had flown since the territory was purchased from Russia in 1867. The flag measures approximately 8.5" x 12.25" and has been shrink-wrapped for preservation.