Rare Apple 1 Computer sells for $375,000 at auction

We recently heard about the rare Apple 1 Computer that was going up for auction at the Boston based RR Auction. The computer has now been sold and it fetched an impressive $375,000 including the buyer’s premium.

This Apple 1 Computer is one of only sixty or seventy left today, and this one is rarer than some as it is fully functional.

The Restoration Process

This computer was restored to its original, operational state in June 2018 by Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen. The most remarkable aspect of this Apple-1 computer is that it is documented to be fully operational. Unlike many of the known Apple-1 boards, this unit has not had any modifications to the physical board, and the prototype area is clean and unused.

The restoration process undertaken by Corey Cohen was meticulous and aimed at preserving the authenticity of the machine. Cohen, a renowned expert in vintage Apple products, ensured that every component was either original or an exact match to the original specifications. This level of detail is crucial for collectors who value authenticity and historical accuracy. The fact that this Apple 1 remains unmodified and fully operational significantly increases its value and appeal.

The Historical Significance

“Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and the company that they created together turned the ugly and unappealing world of technology and made it much more user-friendly—bringing it mainstream, and infinitely making the world a better place to live,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction.

The Apple 1 Computer holds a special place in the history of technology. It was the first product sold by Apple Inc., marking the beginning of a company that would go on to revolutionize the tech industry. Introduced in 1976, the Apple 1 was hand-built by Steve Wozniak and initially sold for $666.66. Unlike other computers of its time, the Apple 1 came as a fully assembled circuit board, which was a significant innovation. Users only needed to add a case, power supply, keyboard, and display to have a fully functional personal computer.

The Apple 1’s design and ease of use were groundbreaking. It made computing accessible to hobbyists and enthusiasts who were not necessarily engineers or programmers. This democratization of technology paved the way for the personal computing revolution of the 1980s and beyond.

You can find out more details about this impressive Apple 1 Computer over at RR Auction at the link below.

Source & Image Credit RR Auction

The sale of this Apple 1 Computer for $375,000 underscores the enduring legacy and value of early Apple products. Collectors and technology enthusiasts continue to seek out these rare pieces of history, not just for their monetary value but for their cultural and technological significance. The Apple 1 is more than just a computer; it is a symbol of innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit that has driven the tech industry for decades.

Filed Under: Apple

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