A first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone sold for £36,000 at Rare Book Auctions in Staffordshire, with the total sale price reaching £45,000 after fees.
Christine McCulloch originally purchased the book in 1997 for £10 from a shop in Stratford-upon-Avon. The rare hardback is one of just 500 copies printed during the first run of the iconic series.
The McCulloch family, from Derbyshire, discovered its value during the 2020 lockdown after reading about rare book valuations.
“It was a pinch-yourself moment,” said Adam McCulloch, who recalled the book had been stored under the stairs, much like Harry Potter himself.
Adam, who decided it was the right time to sell, added, “Its story, along with its tea stains and folded corners, adds to the magic.”
