The original founding agreement that resulted in the creation of the Apple Computer Company in 1976 is probably heading to auction, with the documents expected to sell for up to $4 million.
Apple memorabilia frequently goes on sale for high prices at auction. For one set of documents crucial to the history of the company itself, the buyer could end up paying millions.
Auction house Christie's is selling a lot on January 23, consisting of the founding papers for the Apple Computer Company, reported by Arirang Newsand confirmed to AppleInsider. A three-page document, it helped create the original version of Apple, which later became the modern-day behemoth.
The set consists of an agreement signed by founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne. They listed the original stakes for the company at 45 percent each for Jobs and Wozniak, 10 percent for Wayne.
While founded on April 1, 1976, the agreement didn't last long. By April 12, Wayne withdrew his support in what is arguably the worst business decision in history. That stake in modern funds would be worth hundreds of billions of dollars, based on the current Apple market cap.
Instead, Wayne received an initial $800 payoff for his stake, followed by a later $1,500 payment.
The current valuation for the historical document is between $2 million and $4 million. It will be part of the "We the People: America at 250" auction taking place on January 23, 2026.
This is not the first time the founding contract has gone on sale. Previously, it was sold in 2011, hauling in $1.5 million.
