A first edition of a Harry Potter book has fetched an impressive £36,000 at auction.
In the 1990s, Christine McCulloch purchased a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for her son, Adam.
She revealed that she purchased the copy for approximately £10 at a bookshop in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1997, unaware that the same book would hold a value in the thousands of pounds three decades later.
On Wednesday, a first edition was auctioned at Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, Staffordshire, fetching a total of £45,000, including the buyer’s premium.
According to Hansons Auctioneers, the book is among a limited edition of just 500 hardback copies released during the inaugural print run of the Potter series in 1997.
The item was appraised with a valuation ranging from £30,000 to £50,000.
Adam McCulloch, a resident of Tansley, Derbyshire, revealed that a copy of the book was hidden in a cupboard beneath the stairs of his family’s previous residence in Chesterfield, reminiscent of the iconic setting from the Harry Potter series.
During the lockdown in 2020, the family discovered the potential value of their collection after encountering stories about first editions.
“Upon verification, it felt like a moment to pinch oneself,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the occasion when Ms. McCulloch purchased the book in 1997, she recounted, “We went in [the bookshop], bought it for £10.”
Adam developed a deep appreciation for the book, igniting a fascination that resonates with countless children globally.
According to her son, the moment has arrived to share the book with others for their enjoyment.
“In certain respects, the narrative surrounding the book, complete with tea stains and a dog-eared corner from previous readers, contributes to its allure,” he remarked.
