An original Apple-1 computer could sell for between $500,000 and $800,000 when it goes on sale in October.
There are fewer than 75 known Apple-1 computers in existence, and a smaller number are operational. The “Hatfield” Apple-1 is number 48 on the Apple-1 registry and is in working order.
The machine was purchased by Fred Hatfield, a computer enthusiast and employee of Computer Data Systems. It is signed by Steve Wozniak and is accompanied by a letter written to Hatfield and signed by Steve Jobs. Jobs authorized a trade-in for the new Apple II after Hatfield complained about the Apple-1 software, but Hatfield declined the offer because he would have had to pay $400 for the upgrade.
Hatfield sold the Apple-1 in 2013 for $40,000. At the time, it wasn’t functional, but the buyer repaired it, had it signed by Wozniak, and sold it at auction for $671,400. It’s on sale again.
Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak produced 200 Apple-1 computers in 1976. The device was originally offered as a bare circuit board intended to be sold as a kit and completed by hobbyists, but Jobs sold 50 fully assembled Apple-1 machines to California retailer The Byte Shop. The Byte Shop resold the assembled machines for $666.66.
The Hatfield Apple-1 will be available for public and private viewings in Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco and New York, with dates and information listed on the auctioneer’s website. Offers will be accepted from October 4 to 14.
Working Apple-1 computers have sold at auction for more than $900,000 in the past, although prices vary depending on condition and provenance.
