The personal collection of President and Mrs Ronald Reagan will be offered for sale at Christie's later this year, in a series of special auctions.

Following the passing of the 40th US president in 2004, and his wife Nancy in March 2016, the couple's lifetime collection of furniture, art and memorabilia will be sold to benefit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

The collection is expected to achieve more than $2m

"The generosity and foresight of President and Mrs Reagan will ensure that the Foundation, and the presidential library it supports, will be equipped to pursue its mission," said John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. 

"It is our honour to fulfil their wishes for the benefit of countless numbers who will visit the Reagan Library in the future."

The collection is expected to achieve more than $2m, with individual lots ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.

In addition to the selection of furniture, decorative works of art and fine art from the president and first lady's home in Los Angeles, the sale will include historic personal memorabilia from their lives in both politics and the entertainment business.

"Christie's is honored to be entrusted with this prestigious collection which offers unprecedented insight into the private lives of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan," said Brook Hazelton, president of Christie's Americas.

"Each object offers a 'through the keyhole' experience revealing as-yet untold stories of two of the 20th century's most celebrated public figures."

The auctions are scheduled to take place in September 2016, during Christie's Americana Week sales series in New York.

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