At the end of 1963, Elvis spent Christmas at home with Priscilla at Graceland, a visit that continued into the New Year, as he decided to stay in Memphis to celebrate his 29th birthday with a quiet private evening at home. The Friday before his birthday, Elvis went shopping at Lansky’s before heading to Nashville to RCA’s studio B to record on the following Sunday, January 12th. Despite remaining local during the holidays, Elvis still incurred expenses, especially when a trip to Lansky’s, his favorite clothier, was embarked upon, and likely pocket money was needed for his various errands. The offered check, number 864, drawn from the “E.A. Presley” account at the National Bank of Commerce in Memphis, is made out to “Cash” in the amount of $100. The check is signed in blue ink “E.A. Presley” and is notated on the left margin, “Exp while in Memphis.” The reverse of the check has been endorsed by Jim Kingsley, bodyguard and friend to Elvis who began in Elvis’ employ in the 1950s and also sometimes worked as a movie stunt stand-in for Elvis. The E.A. Presley account lists his address as 3764 Highway 51 South in Memphis. An ideal glimpse into the private spending habits of Elvis at home, this check, measuring 3 1/8 by 8 1/4 inches (7.93 x 20.95 cm), is accompanied by a letter of authenticity by Graceland Authenticated.

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