Apple-1 Computer, Initially Launched in 1976 for Approx. $667, Sold for Over Rs 3 Crore at an Auction

A recent auction showcased a rare piece of tech history: an Apple-1 computer from 1976, crafted by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. This vintage device fetched $375,000, equivalent to over Rs 3 crore. The sale was part of the “Steve Jobs and the Apple Revolution Auction” by RR Auction, featuring various historic items.

Apple-1: A Milestone in Computing

The Apple-1, launched in 1976, marked Apple’s debut product. Initially priced at $666.66, around 200 units were hand-assembled, with about 175 sold to hobbyists. Unlike other computers then, it came with a fully assembled circuit board but required additional components like a power supply and keyboard.

This particular Apple-1 machine was listed as #91 in the records and rated an “exceptional” 8.0 out of 10 for its condition. It retained much of its original structure, including bright and clearly labelled integrated circuits. Corey Cohen, an expert in vintage Apple products, meticulously restored it to working condition.

Unique Features of the Apple-1

The Apple-1 was powered by a MOS MCS6502 processor and included 4KB of RAM, expandable to 8KB. Data storage relied on cassette tapes. It lacked support for lowercase letters and had no delete function, making corrections challenging. Despite these limitations, it was a breakthrough in personal computing.

Adding to its value at auction was an original manual with handwritten notes referencing Apple’s founders. Bobby Livingston from RR Auction noted that owning an Apple-1 is more than just having a computer; it’s possessing a piece of history linked to Jobs’ and Wozniak’s vision.

Other Notable Auction Items

Besides the Apple-1, several other rare items were auctioned. A cheque signed by Steve Jobs from 1976 sold for over Rs 93 lakh ($112,054), while another cheque fetched Rs 52 lakh ($62,500). A factory-sealed first-generation 4GB iPhone was auctioned for Rs 72 lakh ($87,514).

Additionally, an Apple Lisa computer with rare ‘Twiggy’ drives sold for Rs 47 lakh ($56,818). Prototypes of early Macintosh computers and Steve Jobs’ business cards were also available for bidding.

The auction highlighted not only the historical significance of these items but also their enduring appeal among collectors worldwide. Each item serves as a testament to Apple’s innovative legacy and its impact on technology development over the years.