Dad picks up rare first edition Harry Potter worth thousands for just 50p
08.03.2022 - 17:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A rare Harry Potter first edition worth thousands has been snapped up for 50p at a charity bookshop in South Manchester. The tatty copy of The Philosopher’s Stone was bought by a lucky businessman who had no idea of the book’s value.
He found it in a box in the store in November and took it to an auctioneer who discovered it was a rare first edition.
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The hardback copy was one of only 500 made in the first print run of the novel which was released in June 1997. It would have been worth £60,000 if it was in good condition, but the book was covered in a child's doodles.
Despite the poor condition of the book, which is covered in scribbled drawings of Harry Potter, it is still expected to fetch up to £3,000.
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The seller, a Manchester businessman who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I didn’t realise it was a first edition when I bought it.
“I just spotted the back cover with the image of the wizard and thought it looked interesting.
“It was only 50p. I found it in one of those traditional charity shops packed with boxes.
“Around Christmas time, I decided to contact Hansons Auctioneers to check whether it was a first edition.
“They confirmed that it was - a nice surprise to say the least.”
The book is going under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers tomorrow (Wednesday, March 9).
The price of a first-edition Harry Potter book can vary wildly depending on condition.
A mint-condition copy which is also being sold is expected to fetch between £40,000 and £60,000.
Jim Spencer, books expert at Hansons, said: “In essence, we have two first issue hardbacks - one