Harry Potter first edition book bought 30 years ago for £10 could now sell for £50k

A Harry Potter first edition book, originally purchased for only £10 nearly 30 years ago, is now estimated to potentially sell for a staggering £50,000 at auction. Christine McCulloch acquired the book after catching JK Rowling discussing her new novel on the BBC children’s programme Blue Peter back in 1997. At the time, Rowling mentioned that Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was gaining popularity among both boys and girls. The 64-year-old bought the book for her son Adam during a visit to Kenilworth, Warwickshire, for around £10. Little did she know that this purchase would turn out to be one of the most valuable books worldwide.

This first edition is one of only 500 hardback copies printed in the inaugural Potter book print-run in 1997, making it exceptionally rare and highly sought-after by fans. The book is set to be auctioned at Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, Staffordshire, with an estimated value ranging between £30,000 and £50,000 on November 27. Owner Adam McCulloch, 35, shared that the book ended up in a cupboard under the stairs in their old house in Chesterfield, similar to Harry Potter’s story in the books. He expressed his surprise at discovering the book’s significant value during the lockdown in 2020.

Jim Spencer, a Harry Potter book expert and director of Rare Book Auctions, commended the chance purchase of the first edition and highlighted the impact of the Potter stories in fostering a love for reading among children. The auction will feature two hardback Philosopher’s Stone first editions, one with an estimated value of £60,000-£80,000. Spencer has managed to track down 20 out of the 500 books from the initial print-run, with the highest price achieved to date being £69,000.

Christine McCulloch and her family were thrilled to unearth the book’s true value after discovering it was a first edition. These unexpected findings have sparked excitement ahead of the auction, with Adam planning to use the funds from the sale to create new family memories and explore shared interests. The journey of this humble £10 book to a potentially lucrative collector’s item showcases the enduring appeal and magic of the Harry Potter series.

In conclusion, the story of Christine McCulloch’s chance purchase of a Harry Potter first edition book serves as a captivating tale of unexpected treasure discovery. The enduring popularity of the Harry Potter series continues to captivate fans and collectors worldwide, demonstrating the lasting impact of JK Rowling’s magical world on generations of readers. The transformation of a £10 book into a potential £50,000 auction item highlights the timeless allure and enduring value of literary treasures.