A Family’s Lucky Find: A First Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Sold for £36,000

A Journey of Discovery

In a remarkable turn of events, a family has sold their first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for a staggering £36,000 (RM202,526.60). The book, which was purchased by Christine McCulloch for only £10 (RM56) from a bookshop in Stratford-upon-Avon back in 1997, has been sitting in a cupboard under the stairs of her family’s former house in Chesterfield for years.

The Discovery

It wasn’t until the lockdown in 2020 that the family learned of the book’s potential value. Adam McCulloch, Christine’s son, recalled the moment they discovered the book’s worth. “Once we got it verified, it was a bit of a pinch yourself moment,” he said.

The Valuation

According to Hansons Auctioneers, the rare copy is one of only 500 hardback copies published in the first-ever Potter book print run in 1997. The book was given a valuation of between £30,000 (RM168,811.50) and £50,000 (RM281,352.49). On Wednesday, the buyer purchased the book for a total of £45,000 (RM253,217.84), which included the buyer’s premium.

A Family’s Decision

Adam felt that it was the right time to pass the book on for others to enjoy. “In some ways, I think having that bit of a story around it, some tea stains there and a folded over corner here where someone’s enjoyed reading it – I think that adds to the magic,” he said.

The Significance of the Book

The first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a rare and highly sought-after book. The book’s value lies not only in its rarity but also in its historical significance. The book was the first in a series of seven books written by J.K. Rowling and has become a cultural phenomenon.

Conclusion

The sale of this rare book is a reminder of the importance of preserving and cherishing our cultural heritage. The McCulloch family’s decision to sell the book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on people’s lives.

FAQs

Q: How much did the family sell the book for?
A: The family sold the book for £36,000 (RM202,526.60).

Q: How much did the family pay for the book initially?
A: The family paid £10 (RM56) for the book initially.

Q: What is the significance of the book?
A: The book is a rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, one of only 500 hardback copies published in the first-ever Potter book print run in 1997.

Q: Why did the family decide to sell the book?
A: The family decided to sell the book because they felt it was the right time to pass it on for others to enjoy.