A rare first-edition copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" has recently been sold at auction for an astonishing ?55,000 (approximately $69,000). The hardcover copy of the iconic book was purchased 26 years ago by a 58-year-old Scottish woman for just ?10 ($12-$13) from a bargain bucket in a shop in the Scottish Highlands. Only 500 copies of the first run of hardbacks were printed, with 300 distributed to schools and libraries and the remaining 200 sent to bookshops.
The book, which was in excellent condition, caught the attention of experts at Hansons Auctioneers due to its rarity and preservation. Jim Spencer, Hansons' books expert, remarked, "This was a genuine, honest first issue and a fantastically well-preserved example. It deserved to go full steam like the Hogwarts Express." The seller first discovered Harry Potter through one of J.K. Rowling's early interviews and mentioned, "I bought the Harry Potter book before anyone really knew much about it, or the author. I found it during a family caravan trip touring round the Highlands of Scotland."
Interestingly, the book had no dust jacket, which contributed to a couple of pounds being knocked off the purchase price. The seller's children, who read about identifying first editions online, initially believed they had a valuable copy. However, the mother believed it to be worthless due to the missing dust jacket. After discovering that the first editions were never released with dust jackets, she stored the book away, forgotten, in a cupboard under the stairs, similar to Harry Potter's living situation in the novel.
The seller eventually reached out to Hansons and decided to part with the book. She stated, "My children are grown up now, and I thought it was time for someone else to have the pleasure of owning a rare piece of literary history." The book was sold to a private UK online buyer for a staggering ?55,104.
According to Hanson, other first edition copies of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" have sold at auction for prices ranging from ?17,500 to ?69,000, depending on their condition. Many copies show significant wear and tear, having been passed around among friends or carried in school bags. However, collectors who value pristine condition appreciate this particular book's remarkable state.
Published in 1997, the book was initially titled "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" but was re-titled "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" for the American market when it was published by Scholastic in 1998. The first US printing consisted of 50,000 copies.
Despite its humble beginnings, this rare first edition of Harry Potter's debut novel is now a highly sought-after item and a valuable piece of literary history. The popularity of the series, with over 120 million copies sold worldwide, has ensured its lasting impact on readers of all ages.
