From first editions to a copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard, these are some of the most expensive Harry Potter books ever sold at auctions.
First-edition copies of Harry Potter, especially those from the initial print run, are highly sought after by collectors. These books often have certain characteristics or features like specific printing errors, cover variations, or special editions that make them more valuable. Fans and collectors pay a premium to own these unique pieces of Harry Potter history, especially if they are passionate about the series. One such book is the first edition of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The book was initially printed in a relatively small quantity, which made it rarer, more valuable and one of the most expensive Harry Potter books to be ever sold at an auction.
Recently, a first-edition Harry Potter book was sold at an auction by Hansons auctioneers for GBP 11,000 (INR 11,54,538 approx.) in the UK. The uncorrected proof copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was bought by the owner (who decided to remain anonymous) in 1997 from a second-hand shop in Crystal Palace. This is said to be one of the most expensive Harry Potter book purchases during an auction. The novel was purchased initially for 40 pounds (INR 4,199).
What makes this book so unique and one of the most expensive Harry Potter books to be ever sold at an auction is the fact that the title page mistakenly states the author’s name as JA Rowling rather than JK Rowling, and then on the other side as Joanne Rowling.
The seller of the book told BBC News that she contacted Harry Potter books expert, Jim Spencer, after she discovered a news story about the most expensive Harry Potter books to be ever sold at an auction. She then got in touch with him to enquire whether the book she owned was valuable. She acknowledged that “finding it when I did was just a massive piece of well-timed luck for which I will always be grateful and more than a tad surprised.”
Interestingly, this is not the first time that a Harry Potter book has been sold for a huge amount. There is a list of the most expensive Harry Potter books to be ever sold at an auction and we have all the details about the same. Check out the list below.
5 most expensive Harry Potter books to be ever sold
Tales Of Beedle the Bard
This book was sold to Amazon in 2007 for GBP 1.9 million (INR 19.94 crore approx.). Tales Of Beedle the Bard is a children’s book that featured in the last instalment of the Harry Potter series titled Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Singly handwritten and illustrated by J.K Rowling, the book is one of the only seven copies ever published.
Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone sold in Texas
This book was sold to an unknown buyer in Texas for GBP 356,629 (INR 3.74 crore approximately). What made the book so rare was its perfect condition. This is the highest amount ever paid for a work of fiction published in the 20th Century.
Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone
The book was sold for GBP 173,905 (INR 1.82 crore approximately) in 2013. The copy had footnotes by JK Rowling and included original drawings and notes about Quidditch, the fictional sport invented by the author.
A hardback first edition of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone
A rare hardback first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which was purchased for 30 pounds (INR 3,148), was sold for GBP 10,500 (INR 11,01,988) at an auction in 2023. The highest bid was made by an online bidder in Los Angeles. The book was auctioned after the owner of the book died at the beginning of 2023. What made the book rare was the fact that it had a laminated board cover and the letter ‘o’ missing from the word Philosopher’s on the back cover. The novel also had a unique library identification sticker, a spine stamped with the letter J, and was complete with a withdrawal stamp.
Harry Potter book that survived a house fire
A rare edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published in 2012 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Potter phenomenon. The book survived a house fire and was sold for GBP 15,000 (INR 15,74,143) at an auction. The book, signed by author JK Rowling, was won by Carina Haouchine when she was 15 and was in pristine condition at the time of the auction.
Hero & Feature Image: Courtesy Zety Akhzar/Shutterstock
(All GBP conversions done at the time of writing)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which Harry Potter books are most valuable?
The most valuable Harry Potter book is the first edition titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
– What is the highest price paid for a Harry Potter book?
The first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was sold for GBP 356,629 (INR 3.74 crore approximately) at auction in Texas.
– Which Harry Potter book sold for GBP 15,000?
Multiple Harry Potter books have been sold for GBP 15,000 including a book that survived a fire.
– Which Harry Potter book is number 1?
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first book of the novel series.
Ananya Swaroop
Digital Writer - Entertainment
Cinema has always fascinated Ananya, so much that she got a degree in media to know more about it. She has worked for magazines like Man's World India and CineBlitz as an entertainment writer. When not writing about films and celebrities, she likes to travel to new places or try new cuisines. Travel and Food are her latest interests and she is looking forward to explore these further.
