When J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel hit shelves in 1997, only 500 copies were published. Over half of the first edition fantasy books were sent to libraries. But, someone cleverly stowed away on original print of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone safely in a briefcase for over 20 years. It’s in perfect condition and it was just auctioned off for $50,000.
The rare copy has been in the hands of the Lancashires for years and they had plans to keep the title in the family as an heirloom. Until they heard another Harry Potter first edition had recently sold for 28,500 Euros ($31,369). Philosopher’s Stone was just auctioned off at Hanson’s Auctioneers in the United Kingdom for 46,000 Euros. The Harry Potter book was sold well over its guide range of 25,000 Euros to 30,000 Euros, assisted by some enthusiastic bids on phones.
After cover fees and tax, the buyer will have paid 57,040 Euros (or $62,788) for the rare first edition of J.K. Rowling’s iconic series. Jim Spencer from Stafford Auctioneers told BBC News the pristine book looked “almost like the day it was made” and said he “can’t imagine a better copy can be found”. To the buyer to be of the few in the world with a like-new copy of the beginning of the classic book series, the crazy amount of money may be priceless.
The particular first edition has two small mistakes inside its pages has sold for big prices before and 12 others were sold that day – one signed by JK Rowling. The first Harry Potter book initially faced some backlash and was banned. It has since become a beloved classic and seen ton more reprintings over the past 22 years, spawned six sequels, movie adaptations, spinoffs, a play, theme parks, so on and so forth.
Following the $7.7 billion earnings of the Harry Potter movies from 2001 to 2016, JK Rowling has kept her fans thirst quenched by opening a land in Universal Studios’ parks, including an all new roller coaster starring Hagrid in Florida. The Fantastic Beast movies continue the Wizarding World on the big screen with the adventures of Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander.
A third Fantastic Beasts movie is currently in the works and set to begin filming at the beginning of 2020, ahead of its November 2021 release date. Rowling has been pivotal in writing these new films, along with penning the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. She’s also started to release new e-books set in the universe as well.
It all started with the printing of a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone such as the $50,000-priced one recently sold!
