Rare First Edition of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ with Spelling Errors Fetches £56,000 at New York Auction

A rare first edition of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” featuring several spelling misprints, has been sold at auction in New York for an impressive £56,000. Originally expected to fetch £64,000, the book drew significant attention due to its unique errors and historical significance.

Limited Print Run:

The debut Harry Potter novel, released in a first edition print run of only 500 copies, holds a special place in literary history.

Out of these, 300 were distributed to libraries and schools, while 200 found their way into private collections.

Each of these rare copies contains notable typos, such as the repetition of the phrase “one wand” on page 53 and the misspelling of author J.K. Rowling’s name as “Joanne Rowling.”

Auction Details and Collector’s Item:

Consigned by a prominent Harry Potter collector, the book was auctioned at Bonhams New York, a renowned auction house.

A spokesperson for Bonhams emphasized the cultural significance of the first edition, which sparked the global phenomenon of Harry Potter.

The book’s provenance adds to its allure, coming from the collection of Dale Bullard, a notable collector of Harry Potter memorabilia.

Historical Sales and Record Prices:

The sale of this first edition follows previous high-profile auctions of Harry Potter memorabilia. In June 2022, two sisters sold their first edition copy for a British record of £220,800, while the world record price of £356,000 was achieved in Dallas in December 2021.

These sales underscore the enduring popularity and collectibility of Harry Potter items among fans and collectors worldwide.

Cinematic Memorabilia:

In addition to literary artifacts, items from the Harry Potter films also attract significant interest at auction.

In July 2023, Harry Potter’s Hogwarts uniform, worn by actor Daniel Radcliffe in “The Chamber of Secrets,” fetched nearly £80,000 despite being covered in mud and stage blood.

The sale exemplifies the enduring appeal of Harry Potter memorabilia and the fervor of dedicated fans in acquiring pieces of cinematic history.