Rare Working Apple-1 Could Fetch $800,000 at Auction

An original Apple–1 Computer could sell for between $500,000 and $800,000 when it is auctioned off this October.

There are fewer than 75 Apple–1 Computers known to exist, and a smaller number that are operational. The "Hatfield" Apple–1 is number 48 on the Apple–1 registry, and it is in working condition.

The machine was purchased by Fred Hatfield, a computer enthusiast and employee of Computer Data Systems. It is signed by Steve Wozniak and comes with a letter written to Hatfield and signed by Steve Jobs. Jobs authorized a trade-in for the newly released Apple II after Hatfield complained about the Apple–1 software, but Hatfield declined the offer because he would have needed to pay $400 for the upgrade.

Hatfield sold the Apple–1 in 2013 for $40,000. At the time, it was non-functional, but the buyer fixed it, got it signed by Wozniak, and sold it at auction for $671,400. It's now going up for sale again.

Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak produced 200 Apple–1 computers in 1976. The device was originally offered as a bare circuit board to be sold as a kit and completed by hobbyists, but Jobs sold 50 fully assembled Apple–1 machines to California-based 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 viewing at locations in Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, and New York, with dates and information listed on the auctioneer's website. Bids will be accepted from October 4 to October 14.

Functional Apple–1 computers have sold for over $900,000 at auction in the past, though pricing varies based on condition and provenance.