Renowned auction house Bonhams sold a rare copy of the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, known in the United States as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for £68,812 (app.$90,000).
The unique copy was one of only 500 first editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to bear the original impression that called J. K. Rowling by her first name, Joanne.
The book contains few errors such as “Philospher’s” is spelled “Philospher’s” on one page; J.K. Rowling’s name appears as “Joanne Rowling;” and “1 wand” appears twice on Harry’s school list.
Also, these first 500 books printed J.K. Rowling’s name as Joanne Rowling on the inside cover, and is signed by the author herself.
“Like most enduring books aimed at younger readers, the Harry Potter books also have wide appeal to adults and there is a strong market among collectors for first editions. This copy is in excellent condition — one of the very best I’ve seen,” said Matthew Haley, Bonhams head of books and manuscripts.
