There is a new reason to browse a bunch of papers you put somewhere.

Tests have determined that for decades, the "informal" copy of Magna Carta, allegedly in the Harvard Law School library archives, was the original, "one of the most valuable documents in the world."

According to reports, the law school paid only $27.50 in 1946.

David Carpenter, a professor at King's College London, introduced the document in the online collection of the Harvard Law School library and told guardian He mused on his newspaper: "My God, this is like the primitive world..." Professor Carpenter and Nicholas Vincent used spectral imaging, ultraviolet light and other tests to determine that the Magna Carta rediscovered at Harvard University is indeed real.

The Magna Carta was first issued by the King of England in 1215 and declared that all, royal family and civilians have personal rights. Even the king must abide by the law. It was not until 1300 that Edward I, his successor was reissued.

The BBC said only 24 of the 200 original files survived today. One of them has been on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. since 1297 to remind us how Americans who wrote the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights were inspired by the giant carta. It was borrowed from philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, who bought it for $22 million and called it "the best money I've ever had."

You might be wondering if he asked himself this week: "Wait - I could have got one for $27.50?"

It is tempting when an old paper or painting is found in a loft or archive to first consider its monetary value. But this week, thanks to many court cases concerning the rights of the administration and individuals, it may be worth pausing and reading some of the words that make Magna Carta so important.

For example, Article 39:

“No free man shall be arrested or imprisoned, deprived of his rights or property, banned or exiled or in any way deprived of his status, nor shall we force him by force, or send others to do so unless his equal judgment or legal judgment by the law of the land.”

The real wealth of Magna Carta lies in what it says.