Rare First-Edition “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” Up for Auction in Edinburgh
Are you fascinated by unique and ultra-rare Harry Potter books? Well, here is a new one for your radar. The Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs auction in Edinburgh, Scotland, will auction off a first-edition, first-impression, signed, and inscribed hardback copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
When Philosopher’s Stone was first printed in 1997, there were 500 copies available. Of those copies, 300 were sent to schools and libraries. The remaining 200 are the ones that have the most potential to be found in good condition by collectors and booklovers to add to their personal library. Realistically, there are far fewer than 200 of these around, at this point in time. A handful of these 200 was signed and inscribed by J.K. Rowling in September 1997 for specific people whom she chose to give them to. Along with being a first edition and first impression, this particular copy up for auction was inscribed “6-9-97 / For James, Kate, and Laura, with best wishes, J.K. Rowling.”
There is another copy of Philosopher’s Stone available in the same auction. This copy is a 24th impression from 1997. It has been signed by Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and Ian Hart (Quirinus Quirrell).
The Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs auction will take place on June 17. The rare copy of Philosopher’s Stone is expected to sell for between £80,000 and £120,000 plus fees. The other copy of Philosopher’s Stone signed by cast members is expected to sell for between £1,000 and £1,500.
