Marking its half-century milestone, Apple Inc. remains a dominant force in technology, generating record-breaking revenue and robust sales of devices like the iPhone. While consumers frequently invest substantial sums in the company's latest gadgets, a different group of enthusiasts and investors is channeling millions into acquiring rare and historically significant Apple memorabilia.
In a recent event titled "Steve Jobs & the Computer Revolution: The Apple 50th Anniversary Auction," RR Auctions presented a collection of extraordinary artifacts tied to Apple’s inception and the legacy of its co-founder Steve Jobs.
Foremost among the offerings was Apple Computer check number 1, an original $500 payment from 1976. This check bears the signatures of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and was issued to Howard Cantin, who designed the printed circuit board for the Apple-1 computer. Graded PSA Mint 9, the check enjoys a near-pristine condition rating, contributing to its high collectible value.
Initial estimates placed the check’s value at approximately $500,000; however, competitive bidding propelled the final sale price to $2,409,886 when including the buyer's premium. This transaction established a new benchmark for the most expensive check sold at auction worldwide. Industry commentator Darren Rovell highlighted that previously no check had ever reached the million-dollar sale mark. Although the purchaser remains anonymous, this check is among the oldest and most scarce artifacts associated with Apple, dated March 16, 1976—predating Apple’s formal founding on April 1, 1976.
Beyond the check, the auction featured other compelling items from Apple’s formative period. A fiberglass prototype of the Apple-1 computer’s circuit board, used for early validation testing, sold for $2.75 million inclusive of buyer fees. This result far exceeded the expected bid ceiling set at $500,000, underscoring collectors’ eagerness for such pioneering technology.
Further notable sales included Apple check number 181, issued in 1976 to Elmer Baum, Apple’s initial seed investor, for $125. This piece achieved a final sale price of $52,500, surpassing its pre-auction estimate of $25,000.
Additionally, Apple’s earliest known financial record—a Wells Fargo bank statement from March 1976—commanded a staggering $828,569, significantly eclipsing its anticipated value of $10,000. This document covers financial activity ending March 31, 1976, also before the company’s official incorporation date.
In total, six items from the auction surpassed the $100,000 sales mark. Among these was a collection of twelve bow ties personally owned by Steve Jobs during his youth, which sold for $113,500, a significant increase compared to the $2,000 estimate prior to bidding.
The auction offered a remarkable array of artifacts with personal connections to Jobs himself, including numerous signatures and old business cards, presenting a tangible link to the company's origins.
These record-breaking auction results exemplify the strong market demand and enthusiasm surrounding Apple memorabilia. With the company celebrating 50 years, further rare items tied to its legacy are anticipated to emerge in subsequent auctions, potentially attracting similar attention and valuation.