“This was a genuine, honest first edition and a fantastically well-preserved copy,” said Jim Spencer, book expert at Hansons Auctioneers.
A rare first edition of the first Harry Potter book fetched a high price at auction.
Hansons Auctioneers, an auction house based in England, announced on Monday that a hardback first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — known as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the USA – was auctioned to a private British buyer for more than £55,000 or $69,000.
The book includes the original illustration from the novel’s first publication, showing the story’s protagonist, Harry Potter, with his iconic lightning bolt scar in full force, looking shocked in front of the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station.
“Harry Potter” was written at the top in bright yellow letters on a red background, with the author JK Rowling’s name printed below on an orange background. The book also featured a quote from children’s author Wendy Cooling at the bottom.