First Harry Potter book sells for £125,000 at auction

The first edition novel was expected to rack up a price between £80,000 and £120,000 in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

First Harry Potter book sells for £125,000 at auction SWNS

A rare edition of the first Harry Potter book has been sold for £125,000 at auction.

The 1997 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone hardback novel has been signed and inscribed by its author J.K Rowling.

Auctioneers, Lyon & Turnbull estimated the book would rack up between £80,000 and £120,000 during the auction in Edinburgh on Wednesday. 

It was sold during the Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs bidding event.

The words ‘6-9-97 / For James, Kate and Laura, with best wishes, J.K. Rowling’ are inscribed in the book with the date September 1997, three months after the book’s official publication.

Only 500 copies were produced in first edition, first impression hardback, with around 300 of these being given to libraries and schools. 

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code