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Forgotten Potter treasure: First edition rescue brings €25,000 at auction

Wednesday 12 February 2025 - 08:50

A remarkable discovery in England has transformed what could have been landfill waste into a valuable literary asset. A rare first edition copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" emerged from a deceased person's belongings, ultimately selling at auction for £21,000 (approximately €25,000).

The book, discovered by NLS Auctions among items destined for disposal, represents one of only 500 existing copies from the 1997 initial print run. Of these, 300 were allocated to libraries and 200 to bookstores, with this particular copy belonging to the library distribution, as evidenced by its original identification label.

Several distinctive characteristics authenticate this rare edition. The back cover features a notable typographical error, with "Philosopher's" missing its final letter. Inside, collectors note a duplicate listing of "wand" in Harry Potter's school supply list, an error corrected in subsequent printings. The book also bears the author's full name, "Joanne Rowling," rather than the now-familiar "J.K."

This discovery adds to a pattern of significant sales in the Potter first edition market. A comparable copy achieved €403,000 at a U.S. auction in 2021, while a Scottish owner sold their copy for €60,000 in 2019. These transactions highlight the extraordinary value these original editions command in the collectible book market.

This fortuitous rescue of a potentially lost treasure serves as a reminder of the hidden value that may lurk in forgotten volumes. The unexpected discovery has transformed what might have been lost forever into a prized collector's item, demonstrating the enduring appeal of rare literary works.

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