Princeton, MN
An extraordinarily rare and historically significant handwritten letter signed by infamous organized crime figure Meyer Lansky, dated November 15, 1980. This letter, filled with personal thoughts and strategic reflection, showcases Lansky’s elegant and deliberate penmanship and provides a rare glimpse into his state of mind late in life.
Written on lined paper, Lansky signs off warmly with “Your friend, Meyer,” reaffirming his mastery of both diplomacy and influence. Authenticated by PSA/DNA (Certification Number: AP08332), this artifact carries immense value for collectors of mob history, 20th-century Americana, and rare autographs.
Page 1:
"Nov. 15, 1980
Dear Yoshki,
It was a pleasure to speak to your daughter. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a clear line. Our line was not clear either. What was clear from both of you, that you are all in good health.
I had the pleasure of seeing Shlomo Cohen in N.Y. The first question was, what is all the publicity about my trip to Israel? I refreshed his memory about this young lawyer Sheftel solicited me to approve an attempt at no cost to me for the right to visit Israel. To go over the same thing again is useless. I told Shlomo that you called me and I mailed to you all my feelings about visiting Israel. He told me that Sheftel is carrying on a storm of publicity about my intent with the news media in Israel and England. Well, I am not responsible for Sheftel’s statements. If I did light(?) in Israel my statement to the news media would be a few words.
After talking to you I mailed to Alvoy the answer to Sheftel that I mailed to you. I will not visit Israel under conditions. The only condition I would accept is: police protection.
Page 2:
…from Burg’s criminal mob. F--- Burg and his restrictions. My well-meaning lawyer can be naive, but I am not. Time is running out for my desire to make trips both physically and financially so we will have to lay this subject to rest.
Yoshki, what is more important to me is you! How are you? You sounded very well. I hope you are as well as you sounded.
My fondest regards to your wife and children.
Shalom, Shalom.
Your friend,
Meyer"
Historical Context:
Meyer Lansky (1902–1983), often called the “Mob’s Accountant,” was a key figure in organized crime in the 20th century. A confidant of notorious figures such as Lucky Luciano, Al Capone, and Bugsy Siegel, Lansky was instrumental in creating a national crime syndicate and was heavily involved in gambling operations. Late in his life, Lansky sought to emigrate to Israel under the Law of Return but was denied entry due to his criminal reputation, as referenced in this letter.
In this letter, Lansky discusses the media frenzy surrounding his attempts to visit Israel, his frustration with his lawyer’s handling of the matter, and his need for police protection from criminal threats. The candid tone reflects Lansky’s pragmatic and resolute nature, giving a rare glimpse into his personal concerns during his later years.
Condition: Pre-owned condition with light creasing, toning, and minor corner wear consistent with age. Please review photos for additional details.
Auction Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Provenance: PSA/DNA certified. Comes with a full Letter of Authenticity (LOA).
Thank you for joining us—it’s an honor to present this historic collection.
Questions? Call us @ 952-237-4888
Buyer’s Premium: 20 % on every lot.
Sales Tax: Applicable sales tax will be added to all invoices.
Post‑Auction Email: Winning bidders will receive detailed shipping and local‑pickup instructions as soon as the sale closes.
Special Arrangements: Any lot‑specific shipping or location details are noted in its description.
Good luck, and happy bidding!
| Bid Range | Minimum Increment | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.01 | - | $75.00 | $1.00 |
| $75.01 | - | $150.00 | $5.00 |
| $150.01 | - | $250.00 | $10.00 |
| $250.01 | - | $500.00 | $25.00 |
| $500.01 | - | $1,000.00 | $50.00 |
| $1,000.01 | - | $5,000.00 | $75.00 |
| $5,000.01 | - | $50,000.00 | $100.00 |
| $50,000.01 | - | $75,000.00 | $250.00 |
| $75,000.01 | - | $100,000.00 | $500.00 |
| $100,000.01 | - | $2,500,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Buyer's Premium | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 20.00% | |||
This auction is contracted and managed by: Auction House
Manager: James Egge
There is a 20% BUYERS PREMIUM on this auction.
This auction is contracted and managed by Auction House and James Egge, Auctioneer (Lic 05-15-002). K-BID is the Dealer of Record. DLR #24714
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Terms & Conditions – The Cindy Cash Collection: Personal Property from the Life and Legacy of Johnny Cash Johnny Cash Auction (April 13 – May 4, 2025)
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Invoices totaling $10,000 or more must be paid via wire transfer. Wire details will be provided at the beginning of the first removal day.
Inspections:
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Authenticity & Category Breakdown
This auction features multiple distinct categories. Each has specific authenticity standards:
The Cindy Cash Collection
All items in this category are directly consigned by Cindy Cash and include a signed Certificate of Authenticity from Cindy Cash.
Johnny Cash Memorabilia
These items are guaranteed authentic and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Karats by Auction House.
Other Collectibles
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Fine Jewelry & Gems
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Vehicles
Please see item descriptions for full details.
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When a ring is listed as resizable, it generally means a qualified jeweler can adjust the size up or down by one full size. If more than one size of adjustment is needed, please call or text 952-237-4888 to confirm whether the specific ring can be resized beyond that range.
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JEWELRY
NATIONWIDE SHIPPING IS $10 (WHICH ALSO COVERS POSTAGE) NO MATTER HOW MANY LOTS YOU WIN. OPTIONAL INSURANCE IS EXTRA.
HANDBAGS, WATCHES & NON-JEWELRY ITEMS (ART GLASS, ETC)
(1 LOT) $18
(2-3 LOTS) $25
(4+ LOTS) $35
*Pick-up at our Edina store is always available for our fine jewelry & gem stone auctions. Auction invoices need to be paid for by 5pm on the listed removal day. You can pick-up any time on the removal day between the listed removal times OR schedule another weekday to pick-up.
A 20% BP Buyers Premium applies to all items sold.
We can accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Checks are not accepted.
Payment: Payment is due within 3 business days of the auction close. Accepted payment methods include credit/debit card, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, wire transfer, and cashier’s check.
Invoices totaling $10,000 or more must be paid via wire transfer. Wire details will be provided at the beginning of the first removal day.
| Bidder | Placed | High Bid |
|---|---|---|
|
140455 ^
|
May 04 02:39pm
| $1,200.00 |
|
495519
|
May 04 02:39pm
| $1,125.00 |
|
140455 ^
|
May 04 02:31pm
| $1,050.00 |
|
495337
|
May 04 02:31pm
| $1,000.00 |
|
140455 ^
|
May 04 02:16pm
| $950.00 |
|
495519
|
May 04 02:16pm
| $900.00 |
|
140455 ^
|
May 04 02:15pm
| $850.00 |
|
495519
|
May 04 02:15pm
| $800.00 |
|
140455 ^
|
May 04 02:01pm
| $750.00 |
|
495337
|
May 04 02:01pm
| $700.00 |
|
140455
|
May 03 09:06pm
| $575.00 |
|
343376
|
Apr 22 08:23pm
| $525.00 |
|
140455 ^
|
Apr 22 08:23pm
| $469.44 |
|
343376
|
Apr 22 08:23pm
| $444.44 |
|
140455
|
Apr 19 01:08am
| $355.00 |
|
343376
|
Apr 17 08:53pm
| $281.00 |
|
494071 ^
|
Apr 17 08:53pm
| $230.00 |
|
343376
|
Apr 17 08:53pm
| $220.00 |
|
494071
|
Apr 15 09:53pm
| $111.00 |
|
478344
|
Apr 15 08:45pm
| $106.00 |
|
491616
|
Apr 15 06:45pm
| $101.00 |
|
493882 ^
|
Apr 15 06:45pm
| $76.00 |
|
491616
|
Apr 15 06:45pm
| $75.00 |
|
493882 ^
|
Apr 15 06:45pm
| $71.00 |
|
491616
|
Apr 15 06:45pm
| $70.00 |
|
493882 ^
|
Apr 15 06:45pm
| $61.00 |
|
491616
|
Apr 15 06:45pm
| $60.00 |
|
493882
|
Apr 15 06:40pm
| $51.00 |
|
113327
|
Apr 14 08:15pm
| $41.00 |
|
493882
|
Apr 14 10:53am
| $36.00 |
|
113327
|
Apr 13 08:58am
| $31.11 |
|
124189 ^
|
Apr 13 08:58am
| $30.11 |
|
113327
|
Apr 13 08:58am
| $30.00 |
|
124189
|
Apr 12 09:39pm
| $21.00 |
|
113327
|
Apr 12 01:40pm
| $13.00 |
|
224221 ^
|
Apr 12 01:39pm
| $11.00 |
|
113327
|
Apr 12 01:39pm
| $10.00 |
|
224221
|
Apr 12 11:16am
| $8.00 |
|
491616
|
Apr 11 01:22pm
| $6.00 |
|
26087
|
Apr 11 11:56am
| $5.00 |