At what price is it sold?
A proof copy of the first Harry Potter book, which was over thirty years ago purchased for pennies at a used bookshop, brought 11,000 pounds ($13,900) at auction.
The original edition of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” which is marked “uncorrected proof copy” on the cover, was purchased in 1997 for a total of 40 pence ($0.50) from a south London bookstore together with two other novels, according to British auctioneers Hanson’s.
This particular copy’s inside the title page, which misspells the author’s name as “J A Rowling” rather than the proper J.K. Rowling, further contributes to its uniqueness. The book is a remarkable collector’s item because of its provenance and historical value, even with this small inaccuracy.
The seller, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that she took up the book about the well-known young wizard as a “throw-in” along with other titles and neglected it for years until learning online about the high prices some Potter books brought in.
Most expensive collection
The proof copy was purchased at auction on Wednesday by a private buyer from the United Kingdom for a sum of 11,000 pounds. After deducting a sales premium, the total came to 14,432 pounds, or more than Rs 15.16 lakh.
Head of Books at Hanson’s, Jim Spencer, was excited about the transaction and emphasized the importance of the proof copy. “This book so deserved to do well,” Spencer said. The Harry Potter craze started with this proof copy. This marks the first time the original Potter novel has been published in print.”
Auction demonstration
The auction demonstrates the lasting appeal and desirable quality of Harry Potter memorabilia, as enthusiasts and collectors keep looking for uncommon and distinctive objects connected to the adored wizarding world. This proof copy’s surprise discovery and subsequent auction success are evidence of J.K. Rowling’s enduring magic and its enduring influence on popular culture and literature.
