A rare Harry Potter book has been put up at auction, with initial estimates placing the book anywhere from $25,000 (£20,000) to $38,000 (£30,000).
The book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, is described as a ‘first edition, first printing ex-library copy’ at Forum Auction website.
The slightly worn publication, which will go for auction on Thursday, is among 500 rare copies.
According to the description at the auction website, the book has ‘usual light browning to text margins’ and is an ‘ex-library copy with ink stamp to title verso and front free endpaper with barcode sticker and thin line of abrasion.’
It also has ‘bumped corners’ and ‘laminate peeling’ as well as ‘chipping to joints’. In addition to that, its edges are also ‘a little rubbed and chipped.’
However, the description notes that the copy is ‘without any other markings’ and is ‘still a very good, bright copy, preserved in a fine example of a later dust-jacket.’
The book is further described to be ‘rare in any condition and a far better ex-library copy than usually encountered.’
Just two years back, another rare book from the same print was purchased by a Potter fan for a whopping $76,000 (£60,000).
In case you’re wondering if your old Harry Potter book is also among the rare copies, there’s an easy way for you to find it out.
According to The Mirror, you have got a first edition with you if your book is credited to ‘Joanne Rowling’ (rather than JK Rowling) on the title page and its print line reads 10987654321.
It must also be noted that all first editions are not worth the same as the book which will be auctioned on Thursday.
The simple rule here is ‘the rarer the better’ – for example, the book with unique covers or illustrations inside or the signed copies of first editions are among the ones that can fetch big bucks.
Matthew Haley, head of books at auctioneer’s Bonhams, told The Mirror: ‘That first book in the series is worth hugely more than the subsequent volumes, and condition is everything.’ Obviously genuine signatures or even better inscriptions by JK Rowling can add tremendously to the value.’
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