Rupley v. Daggett
74 Ill. 351 · Illinois Supreme Court · 1874
Facts
A buyer believed he was purchasing a mare for $65, while the seller believed he was selling it for $165. The buyer was informed of a potential price mistake before leaving the seller's farm but proceeded with the transaction without clarifying the discrepancy. The seller had not agreed to sell for $65, and the buyer had not agreed to pay $165.
Procedural history
The case proceeded to a trial where the court refused certain instructions requested by the appellants. The jury returned a verdict, which this court found to be correct. The appellants appealed, and this court, finding no material error in the record, affirmed the judgment.
Issue
Does a valid contract for sale exist when there is a mutual mistake between the parties regarding the agreed-upon price of the property, preventing a 'meeting of the minds'?
Holding
No, a valid sale did not occur because there was a mutual mistake regarding the price, meaning there was no 'meeting of the minds.' The court affirmed the judgment that no sale was made.
Rule
When there is a mutual mistake between contracting parties concerning the price of an article of property, there is no 'meeting of the minds,' and therefore, no valid sale is formed, leaving neither party bound.
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