Proof copy of Harry Potter book, bought for pennies in 1997, sells for more than $13,000

2024-12-25 22:57:51 source:lotradecoin futures trading platform category:Scams

LONDON — A proof copy of the first Harry Potter novel that was bought for pennies in a second-hand bookshop almost 30 years ago has sold at auction for 11,000 pounds ($13,900.)

British auctioneers Hanson's said Monday that the first-edition copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," which states "uncorrected proof copy" on the cover, was bought in 1997 from a shop in south London with two other books for a total of 40 pence ($0.50.)

The seller, who was not named, picked up the book about the famous boy wizard as a "throw-in" with other titles and didn't read it or pay much attention to it for years — until she read online about the high prices some Potter copies achieved, Hanson's said.

'Dumbledore's Army':How 'Harry Potter' inspired a generation of young activists

The book was sold to a private U.K. buyer on Wednesday for a hammer price of 11,000 pounds, and a total of 14,432 pounds including a sales premium.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

Jim Spencer, head of books at the auction house, said the copy's inside title page mistakenly stated the author's name as "J A Rowling" instead of J.K. Rowling.

"This book so deserved to do well. This proof copy is where the Harry Potter phenomenon began. This is the very first appearance in print of the first Potter novel," Spencer said.

More:Scams

Recommend

We can't get excited about 'Kraven the Hunter.' Don't blame superhero fatigue.

Superhero fatigue? In 2024, Deadpool gave all that talk a middle finger salute. (And Wolverine threw

These farm country voters wish presidential candidates paid them more attention

FRESNO, California ‒ The farmers’ markets, especially on Wednesdays, serve as this city’s town squar

Republicans try to hold onto all of Iowa’s 4 congressional districts

Follow live: Updates from AP’s coverage of the presidential election. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Rep