Rare Harry Potter First Edition Bought for £10 in 1997 Sells for £45,000 at Auction

A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, originally purchased for just £10 (around ₹1,068) in 1997, has fetched a remarkable £36,000 (₹38 lakh) at an auction in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Including the buyer’s premium, the final bid for the book reached £45,000 (approximately ₹50 lakh), as reported by BBC News. This first edition is one of only 500 hardback copies from the initial print run, making it an exceptionally coveted item among collectors.

The book’s owner, Adam McCulloch from Tansley, Derbyshire, discovered its value during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 after reading about similar first editions. Initially bought by his mother, Christine McCulloch, from a bookshop in Stratford-upon-Avon, the book had been stored in their family cupboard for years, oblivious to its future worth. Adam described the moment of verification as a “pinch yourself moment,” adding that the tea stains and folded corners on the book made it even more magical for collectors.

This sale underscores the enduring legacy of J.K. Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter series, which debuted in 1997 and has since become a global phenomenon. The book’s journey from a modest £10 purchase to a multi-lakh auction piece is a testament to its cultural and literary significance, captivating readers across generations.

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