ADVISORY/SOTHEBYS.COM: Independence to Be Declared inSan Francisco, Thursday, June 1, from 2 p.m.

News Editors

ADVISORY...for Thursday (June 1)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Media Invited to View "Most Important Printed Piece of Paper in the

World," Estimated at $4 Million to $6 Million

Document Was Originally Discovered in Back of Picture Frame Bought at

a Flea Market for $4

SOTHEBYS.COM will be making Internet history when this highly important first printing of the Declaration of Independence is offered for sale online.

On Thursday, June 1, from 2 p.m., this rare document will be on exhibition to the media in San Francisco at Sotheby's office at 214 Grant Ave., Suite 350.

Bidding will take place exclusively online at WWW.SOTHEBYS.COM, June 29, 2000, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.

WHAT:           Official first printing of Declaration of
                Independence, printed on night of July 4, 1776

WHO:            David Redden -- Sotheby's vice chairman and head of
                the Books and Manuscripts Division, who describes the
                Declaration as "the most important printed piece of
                paper in the world" -- available for interview.

WHERE:          Sotheby's office
                214 Grant Ave., Suite 350
                San Francisco

WHEN:           Thursday, June 1
                from 2 p.m.