Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

United Kingdom

First edition Harry Potter book sells for a magical £28,500

A rare Harry Potter first edition of The Philosopher’s Stone has been sold for £28,500.

The book was first picked up at a jumble sale for 25 pence.

Only 500 hardback copies were printed in 1997 of J K Rowling’s first book in the series.

Advertisement

Most were sent to libraries – including the one just sold.

The book still had a Staffordshire Libraries sticker inside the front cover, and a note saying it had been withdrawn from the shelf.

It later ended up in a jumble sale.

After reading the book its owner, a 54-year-old office worker, left it on a shelf for more than 20 years.

It went under the hammer at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire and was bought by a UK collector.

The owner said: “I can’t believe it. It’s what I’d hoped for, but I never really believed my book would make that price.”

Charles Hanson

Television celebrity auctioneer Charles Hanson said: “All our client wants to do with [the money] is buy a new bathroom.

“Even now the softback publications, which were first editions, are fetching thousands of pounds.

“But this is a hardback and one of only 500.

“It’s so important in that great history of Harry Potter.”

Jim Spencer, head of books at Hansons, said:

“I was slightly caught in disbelief when I first saw it. I receive calls every week from people saying they have a first-edition Harry Potter.

“In fact, when news of this discovery broke, I was receiving 50 emails a day.

“But most copies can invariably be ruled out in seconds.

“I found the book when I was called to a client’s house near Stafford to value three boxes of books.

“And here it was – the holy grail of Harry Potter books. I was so excited. Every book valuer dreams of finding one of these.”

 

Comments

Latest Tweets

Advertisement

You May Also Like

United Kingdom

Film director Ridley Scott has recalled the death of actor Oliver Reed while making the Oscar winning blockbuster Gladiator. Scott said hard-drinking Reed “just...

Business

The controversial Russian businessman Viktor Baturin, well-known for his years-long counterstanding with his wealthy sister Elena, widow of Moscow ex-mayor Yuri Luzhkov, is likely...

United Kingdom

The Tremeloes. Dave Munden centre Dave Munden the Tremeloes drummer – and often lead singer – with the 60s chart toppers has died. He...

United Kingdom

The Watneys Party Seven is making a comeback. The ubiquitous 70s beer was a bland fizzing bitter ridiculed by many. The drink’s insipidness helped...