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Why was John Hancock’s signature so important?

Retry Correct Incorrect According to The History Channel, John Hancock’s role as president of the Continental Congress meant that he would be the first to sign the landmark Declaration of Independence, which was a significant enough occurrence that people continue to call their signatures their “John Hancock.” Of course, it doesn’t hurt that his signature was genuinely large and stylish.

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Stock Montage/Getty Images

Stock Montage/Getty Images

Why was John Hancock’s signature so important?

• He was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence
• He had unusually lovely penmanship
• He almost bankrupted the Continental Congress by forgetting to sign a check
• He popularized the concept of celebrity autographs