Neil Hughes
A rare Apple I computer from 1976 and signed by company co-founder Steve Wozniak brought in $387,750 in an online auction held by Christie's.
Apple I on display at the Smithsonian. Photo via Wikipedia.
The final price for the historic machine was actually less than predicted, as a working Apple I brought in $671,400 in an auction in Germany earlier this year. Bidding on the most recent Christie's auction began at $300,000.
Still, the asking price for an Apple I has gone up considerably in recent years. For example, an Apple I in "superb" condition sold for $174,000 in a Christie's auction in London in 2010.
The system that went for nearly $400,000 is one of the first 25 Apple I computers ever assembled. It is inscribed with the serial number 01-0025 in black ink.
Only 200 Apple I computers were made, making the systems a rare collectors item. Between 30 and 50 units are believe to still exist.
When the Apple I was first released in 1976, the computer sold for $666.66. The systems were hand-built by Wozniak, who added his "Woz" signature to original documents included in the most recent auction.
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9 Comments
That's it? It was supposed to be $600,000! Apple is obviously doomed.
Clearly, this is another disappointment for Timid Cook maybe if it had a larger screen let's all get our pitch forks and demand his resignation /s
$666.66, coincidence, I think not. I've already got my pitch fork out hahaha
$666.66 is an evil sign .
[quote name="crazy_mac_lover" url="/t/158410/apple-i-computer-fetches-387k-in-christies-auction#post_2359430"]$666.66 is an evil sign .[/quote] Clearly, Steve Jobs was the Anti-Christ and Tim Cook is Steve's Satanic servant carrying out his evil plan.