The United Kingdom lent a copy of Magna Carta to the United States Capitol for the 1976 Bicentennial.
The document was displayed in the Capitol from June 3, 1976, until June 13, 1977. Its presence emphasized the historical relationship between English constitutional traditions and the political ideas that influenced the development of the United States.
The displayed Magna Carta was placed in an elaborate case designed by the artist Louis Osman. The case incorporated valuable materials including gold, stainless steel, rubies, pearls, sapphires, diamonds, and white enamel. A gold replica remained with the case after the original document was returned.
Magna Carta was originally sealed by King John of England in 1215. Although its medieval provisions did not create modern democracy, later generations treated it as an important symbol of limited government, legal rights, and constitutional liberty.