An Apple I computer recently fetched a massive $815,000 at auction, the computer was a rare Apple I Celebration.
The Apple I Celebration was auctioned by Caritzbuzz, and the proceeds of the auction will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The Significance of the Apple I Celebration
The Apple I Celebration is a rare model that featured a blank green PCB board. This particular device was apparently built before the two production runs of the Apple I. The Apple I, originally released in 1976, was the first product sold by Apple Inc., and it marked the beginning of the personal computer revolution. The Apple I was hand-built by Steve Wozniak, and Steve Jobs was responsible for its marketing. Only about 200 units were produced, making any surviving models extremely valuable to collectors and technology enthusiasts.
The auction for this rare piece of computing history went as high as $1.2 million, but the final bid was canceled at the last minute. Consequently, it ended up selling for $815,000. Despite not reaching the highest bid, the final sale price still reflects the significant historical and technological value of the Apple I Celebration.
Historical Context and Impact
The Apple I was revolutionary for its time. Unlike other computers of the era, which were sold as kits requiring assembly, the Apple I came as a fully assembled circuit board. Users only needed to add a case, power supply, keyboard, and display to have a functioning computer. This ease of use was a significant factor in its appeal and set the stage for future Apple products that emphasized user-friendly design.
The Apple I also laid the groundwork for the development of the Apple II, which would go on to become one of the most successful personal computers of its time. The success of these early models helped establish Apple as a major player in the burgeoning personal computer industry.
The Apple I Celebration model is particularly noteworthy because it represents a transitional phase in the development of the Apple I. The blank green PCB board indicates that it was likely a prototype or an early production model, making it even rarer and more valuable to collectors.
The proceeds from the auction going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society add another layer of significance to this sale. It highlights how historical artifacts can be leveraged for philanthropic purposes, benefiting society in meaningful ways.
Examples of Other High-Value Apple I Sales
The Apple I Celebration is not the only Apple I to fetch a high price at auction. In 2014, a working Apple I sold for $905,000 at a Bonhams auction in New York. Another unit sold for $671,400 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2013. These high prices reflect the enduring legacy and fascination with Apple’s early history and the broader impact of the personal computer revolution.
The sale of the Apple I Celebration for $815,000 underscores the enduring value and historical significance of early Apple computers. These machines are not just technological artifacts; they are symbols of innovation and the beginning of a new era in computing. The fact that the proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society adds a philanthropic dimension to the story, demonstrating how the past can be used to support the future.
Source 9 To 5 Mac
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