A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has fetched £36,000 at auction, nearly 30 years after it was purchased for just £10.
Christine McCulloch originally bought the book for her son Adam in 1997 from a bookshop in Stratford-upon-Avon, unaware of its future value.
The first edition, one of only 500 hardback copies from the initial 1997 print run, was sold at Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Including the buyer’s premium, the total sale price reached £45,000.
The book had been valued between £30,000 and £50,000 by Hansons Auctioneers.
Adam McCulloch, from Derbyshire, revealed that the copy had been stored for years in a cupboard under the stairs at the family’s former home in Chesterfield—a detail reminiscent of Harry Potter’s own living arrangement in the story.
The family discovered its worth during the 2020 lockdown after hearing about the high value of first editions.
“Once we got it verified, it was a bit of a pinch-yourself moment,” Adam said.
Christine reflected on the purchase, describing how the book ignited her son’s fascination with the magical series.
Adam, now ready to part with the treasured copy, expressed hope that its imperfections, such as tea stains and folded corners, would add to its charm for the new owner.
“I think that adds to the magic,” he said.
Also read: Georgie Grasso Becomes First Welsh Winner Of The Great British Bake Off 2024
