Apple Computer
Content
Early Apple: From Garage Dreams to Billion-Dollar Icons – The Origin Story in Auction Records
It started in a Los Altos garage: two young visionaries, a handful of circuit boards, and a wild idea that computing could belong to everyone. Signed checks, scribbled prototypes, and hand-assembled motherboards became the sparks that ignited the personal computer revolution—and now fetch millions as holy grails of tech history.
This page spotlights the top 10 auction results for early Apple computers and documents, tracing the explosive rise from 1976's Apple-1 (the first ready-to-use personal computer) through founding checks, prototype boards, manuals inscribed by Jobs, and rare posters that captured the dawn of an empire. These aren't relics—they're artifacts of genius: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak's first $500 check, the Byte Shop prototype that convinced retailers, Wells Fargo statements showing garage-era finances, and surviving Apple-1 units that still boot today.
The auction boom reflects their cultural weight: from hobbyist curios to symbols of innovation, design evolution (bare boards to user-friendly breakthroughs), and the garage-to-global narrative that reshaped the world. Low serial numbers, provenance from Jobs/Allen collections, and operational status drive seven-figure prices in a market hungry for tech's origin myths.
These aren't machines. They're the blueprints of the future—signed, sold, and forever changing how we live.
It started in a Los Altos garage: two young visionaries, a handful of circuit boards, and a wild idea that computing could belong to everyone. Signed checks, scribbled prototypes, and hand-assembled motherboards became the sparks that ignited the personal computer revolution—and now fetch millions as holy grails of tech history.
This page spotlights the top 10 auction results for early Apple computers and documents, tracing the explosive rise from 1976's Apple-1 (the first ready-to-use personal computer) through founding checks, prototype boards, manuals inscribed by Jobs, and rare posters that captured the dawn of an empire. These aren't relics—they're artifacts of genius: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak's first $500 check, the Byte Shop prototype that convinced retailers, Wells Fargo statements showing garage-era finances, and surviving Apple-1 units that still boot today.
The auction boom reflects their cultural weight: from hobbyist curios to symbols of innovation, design evolution (bare boards to user-friendly breakthroughs), and the garage-to-global narrative that reshaped the world. Low serial numbers, provenance from Jobs/Allen collections, and operational status drive seven-figure prices in a market hungry for tech's origin myths.
These aren't machines. They're the blueprints of the future—signed, sold, and forever changing how we live.
Apple-1: The Genesis of a Revolution
(1976 Artifacts and Documents)
This page spotlights the earliest tangible relics from Apple Computer Company's founding moment in 1976 — the Apple-1 personal computer designed by Steve Wozniak, hand-assembled with Steve Jobs in a Palo Alto garage, and the pre- and immediate post-founding documents that turned a hobby project into an enterprise. Limited to roughly 200 units built (with fewer than 100 known survivors today), the Apple-1 represents the raw, motherboard-only dawn of personal computing before color graphics, integrated cases, and GUIs arrived with the Apple II (1977) and beyond. Recent auctions (2024–2026) have seen extraordinary results, driven by impeccable provenance (e.g., Jobs' personal units, expert-authenticated prototypes, founding checks/partnership papers) and the device's symbolic role in tech history. Key patterns include escalating values for early prototypes over production boards, and strong ties to figures like Paul Terrell (Byte Shop) and Howard Cantin (PCB designer).
Apple-1
Historical Summary
The steps of the great technological revolution of the communication have been gradual and fast : after the discovery of the radio waves in the 19th century, the early events are the invention of the transistor in 1948, the integrated circuit in 1958.
The breakthrough was achieved in 1969 with the development of the Intel 4004, the first microprocessor and also the first marvel of miniaturization because it already had a computing power comparable to machines that occupied an entire building. Fans use their soldering iron to test the new wonders. Clubs and shops are created.
The home computer aka personal computer would be the next technological craze in California. In June 1975 Steve Wozniak tests his first working prototype. He makes a buzz with it in a group of computing hobbyists at the Homebrew Computer Club in Palo Alto.
In 1976, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs introduced the Apple-1: a motherboard-based personal computer where users could connect peripherals like a keyboard and monitor. Wozniak designed the circuitry, hardware, and basic OS by early March 1976.
After Hewlett-Packard showed no interest, Jobs pushed for commercialization. Paul Terrell of Byte Shop in Mountain View ordered 50 fully assembled units in spring 1976, spurring rapid prototyping and production. Limited production run (~150 sold directly by Apple after the initial batch), hand-assembled in garages. The model proved ephemeral, quickly succeeded by the Apple II in 1977.
The breakthrough was achieved in 1969 with the development of the Intel 4004, the first microprocessor and also the first marvel of miniaturization because it already had a computing power comparable to machines that occupied an entire building. Fans use their soldering iron to test the new wonders. Clubs and shops are created.
The home computer aka personal computer would be the next technological craze in California. In June 1975 Steve Wozniak tests his first working prototype. He makes a buzz with it in a group of computing hobbyists at the Homebrew Computer Club in Palo Alto.
In 1976, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs introduced the Apple-1: a motherboard-based personal computer where users could connect peripherals like a keyboard and monitor. Wozniak designed the circuitry, hardware, and basic OS by early March 1976.
After Hewlett-Packard showed no interest, Jobs pushed for commercialization. Paul Terrell of Byte Shop in Mountain View ordered 50 fully assembled units in spring 1976, spurring rapid prototyping and production. Limited production run (~150 sold directly by Apple after the initial batch), hand-assembled in garages. The model proved ephemeral, quickly succeeded by the Apple II in 1977.
1
March 16, 1976 Check # 1 by the Apple Computer Company
2026 SOLD for $ 2.4M by RR Auction
Apple Computer Company Check No. 1, dated March 16, 1976, signed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, payable for $500 to Howard Cantin (Apple-1 PCB layout designer). This Wells Fargo check marks Apple's transition from concept to operational business, issued shortly after opening the company's first account.
Cantin's work bridged Wozniak's schematic to a manufacturable board using 1970s tape-based drafting techniques. The check predates the April 1, 1976 partnership agreement. Sold January 30, 2026 at RR Auction (lot 6000) for $2.4M from a lower estimate of $ 500K. Video.
Howard Cantin's work involved designing the printed circuit board (PCB) layout for the Apple-1 (also known as Apple I), Apple's inaugural product.
Steve Wozniak personally designed the electrical circuitry and overall architecture of the Apple-1, including its schematic. However, turning that schematic into a practical, manufacturable PCB required specialized layout expertise—routing traces, placing components, ensuring signal integrity, and optimizing for production using manual techniques (such as tape-based drafting common in the 1970s). Cantin, an experienced PCB layout engineer then working at Atari (where he had handled layouts for early Atari arcade games and systems), was hired as an independent contractor for this task. The $500 payment via Check No. 1 compensated him specifically for this PCB layout design work.
In a 2012 interview, Cantin discussed his role in laying out early Apple boards (including the Apple-1 and initial Apple II versions), noting his use of tape for creating traces and turns on the design.
This positions the payment—and thus Cantin's contribution—very early in Apple's timeline:
Cantin's work bridged Wozniak's schematic to a manufacturable board using 1970s tape-based drafting techniques. The check predates the April 1, 1976 partnership agreement. Sold January 30, 2026 at RR Auction (lot 6000) for $2.4M from a lower estimate of $ 500K. Video.
Howard Cantin's work involved designing the printed circuit board (PCB) layout for the Apple-1 (also known as Apple I), Apple's inaugural product.
Steve Wozniak personally designed the electrical circuitry and overall architecture of the Apple-1, including its schematic. However, turning that schematic into a practical, manufacturable PCB required specialized layout expertise—routing traces, placing components, ensuring signal integrity, and optimizing for production using manual techniques (such as tape-based drafting common in the 1970s). Cantin, an experienced PCB layout engineer then working at Atari (where he had handled layouts for early Atari arcade games and systems), was hired as an independent contractor for this task. The $500 payment via Check No. 1 compensated him specifically for this PCB layout design work.
In a 2012 interview, Cantin discussed his role in laying out early Apple boards (including the Apple-1 and initial Apple II versions), noting his use of tape for creating traces and turns on the design.
This positions the payment—and thus Cantin's contribution—very early in Apple's timeline:
- By early March 1976, Wozniak had largely completed the basic electrical design of the Apple-1.
- On March 16, 1976, Jobs and Wozniak opened their first bank account at Wells Fargo (funded by selling Jobs' VW bus and Wozniak's HP calculator) and issued Check No. 1 to Cantin. This occurred 16 days before Apple's official founding as a partnership on April 1, 1976 (when Jobs, Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne signed the formal agreement).
- The check thus captures the precise moment the duo transitioned from a conceptual project to an operational business entity committing real funds to produce their first product.
- After Cantin's layout, the bare PCBs were fabricated (e.g., by a company like Ramlor Inc., paid via early subsequent checks), components were sourced and hand-assembled by Jobs and Wozniak in the garage, and the Apple-1 was demonstrated publicly in March/April 1976 before going on sale (primarily as bare boards) starting in July 1976.
2
March 1976 Computer A
2022 SOLD for $ 680K by RR Auction
Paul Terrell, who had just founded the specialty retail store Byte Shop in Mountain View, is also a visionary. Terrell rejects an idea of Jobs to sell modules : he will only accept 50 fully operational computers.
In March 1976 Jobs and Wozniak commissioned an initial tan phenolic prototype board from PCB designer Howard Cantin. In a hurry a motherboard referred as the Apple Computer A prototype is assembled to be used as a demonstrator for Terrell. Some bubbles in solder joints assess that it has been prepared with Wozniak's unconventional technique of holding the solder coil from his mouth.
This test board exposed design issues requiring fixes (e.g., signal integrity, heatsinks, DRAM refresh mods).
That piece was kept by Apple without coating for a purpose of cannibalizing the electronic parts, many of them including the microprocessor being now missing. The broken upper side is also missing. Recently resurfaced and authenticated in 2022 by Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen, it was sold for $ 680K from a lower estimate of $ 500K by RR on August 18, 2022, lot 5006.
In March 1976 Jobs and Wozniak commissioned an initial tan phenolic prototype board from PCB designer Howard Cantin. In a hurry a motherboard referred as the Apple Computer A prototype is assembled to be used as a demonstrator for Terrell. Some bubbles in solder joints assess that it has been prepared with Wozniak's unconventional technique of holding the solder coil from his mouth.
This test board exposed design issues requiring fixes (e.g., signal integrity, heatsinks, DRAM refresh mods).
That piece was kept by Apple without coating for a purpose of cannibalizing the electronic parts, many of them including the microprocessor being now missing. The broken upper side is also missing. Recently resurfaced and authenticated in 2022 by Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen, it was sold for $ 680K from a lower estimate of $ 500K by RR on August 18, 2022, lot 5006.
3
March 31, 1976 Wells Fargo Account Statement
2026 SOLD for $ 830K by RR Auction
Wells Fargo statement for Apple Computer Co. (period ending March 31, 1976), Apple's earliest surviving financial record. It shows the account opening, initial deposits ($840 total, starting March 16), first six checks (including #1 to Cantin), early production expenses (PCB fab, components, phone), and low ending balance ($142).Sold January 29, 2026 at RR Auction (lot 6002) for $830K (est. $10,000+).
The Wells Fargo account statement for "Apple Computer Co.," covering the period ending March 31, 1976, is Apple's earliest surviving financial record and the first official ledger of the company's banking activity. This one-page document (8.5 x 14 inches, prepared by the Los Altos branch) chronicles the very inception of Apple as an operational entity, documenting:
Summarizing that chronology :
The Wells Fargo account statement for "Apple Computer Co.," covering the period ending March 31, 1976, is Apple's earliest surviving financial record and the first official ledger of the company's banking activity. This one-page document (8.5 x 14 inches, prepared by the Los Altos branch) chronicles the very inception of Apple as an operational entity, documenting:
- The opening of the company's inaugural bank account at Wells Fargo.
- The initial deposits (starting with $500 on March 16, 1976—the same day as Check No. 1—and totaling $840 by month's end).
- The first six checks ever drawn on the account (noted as "6 Items Enclosed," with the returned checks accompanying the statement).
- Early expenditures, including payments for Apple-1 PCB design (Check #1 to Howard Cantin for $500, listed above), PCB fabrication (e.g., to Ramlor Inc.), electronic components from suppliers, and even the company's first telephone bill.
- The resulting low ending balance (around $142.55), reflecting the garage-stage finances.
Summarizing that chronology :
- Early March 1976: Wozniak finalizes much of the Apple-1 circuitry.
- March 16, 1976: Jobs and Wozniak open the Wells Fargo account, make the first $500 deposit, and immediately issue Check #1.
- March 16–31, 1976: The next five checks clear (e.g., #2 on March 19, etc.), covering production essentials for the first Apple-1 boards/units.
- April 1, 1976: Official partnership formed (Jobs, Wozniak, Wayne).
- March/April–July 1976: Apple-1 demonstrated publicly and sold (as bare boards initially).
4
April 1, 1976 Founding Documents
2026 SOLD for $ 2.5M by Christie's
The would be entrepreneurs are 25 and 21 years old. The role of the senior partner is played by Ronald Wayne, a 41 years old enthusiast of engineering. The team of three creates the Apple Computer Company on April 1, 1976, with 45 % of the shares to both Wozniak and Jobs and the remaining 10 % to Wayne.
Wayne appreciates that the new company can be successful but he is not a businessman and will not take a risk. He withdraws from the Apple company on April 12.
A set made of three Apple founding documents previously owned by Wayne was sold by Sotheby's on December 13, 2011 for $ 1.6M from a lower estimate of $ 100K, lot 241. It is made of the April 1 contract signed by the three partners, a later amendment and the Registrant's copy of County of Santa Clara Statement of Withdrawal signed by Wayne.
The founding documents were sold for $ 2.5M by Christie's on January 23, 2026, lot 242.
Set of Apple founding documents (partnership agreement April 1, 1976: 45% Jobs, 45% Wozniak, 10% Ronald Wayne; amendment; Wayne's withdrawal April 12). Wayne exited quickly due to risk concerns (for $800 + later $1,500). Previously sold Sotheby's December 13, 2011 ( lot 241) for $1.6M (est. $100K+). Resold Christie's January 23, 2026 (lot 242) for $2.5M. These papers formalize the company just after prototyping/demo phase.The path from experimental demo to production validation unfolded rapidly in spring 1976, as the Byte Shop order demanded functional assembled boards.
2011 Sotheby's Auction (Lot 241, December 13, 2011)
Ronald Wayne's personal copy of the founding documents sold as a set of three items:
In contrast, Christie's 2026 catalogue for lot 242 presents the lot as a single set of four pages together, comprising only the three-page partnership agreement and the one-page amendment letter—without the separate Santa Clara withdrawal statement. The extra one-page county document appears to have been removed or separated from the grouping for this resale.
Significance in Computer History
These documents mark the formal birth of Apple Computer Company, launching the personal computer revolution. They symbolize the shift from mainframes to accessible home computing, paving the way for the Apple II (1977), Macintosh (1984), and modern devices like the iPhone. Wayne's early exit underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of Silicon Valley startups—his forfeited 10% stake would be worth hundreds of billions today. As foundational artifacts, they represent innovation, entrepreneurship, and the dawn of the digital age, often called Apple's "birth certificate."
Wayne appreciates that the new company can be successful but he is not a businessman and will not take a risk. He withdraws from the Apple company on April 12.
A set made of three Apple founding documents previously owned by Wayne was sold by Sotheby's on December 13, 2011 for $ 1.6M from a lower estimate of $ 100K, lot 241. It is made of the April 1 contract signed by the three partners, a later amendment and the Registrant's copy of County of Santa Clara Statement of Withdrawal signed by Wayne.
The founding documents were sold for $ 2.5M by Christie's on January 23, 2026, lot 242.
Set of Apple founding documents (partnership agreement April 1, 1976: 45% Jobs, 45% Wozniak, 10% Ronald Wayne; amendment; Wayne's withdrawal April 12). Wayne exited quickly due to risk concerns (for $800 + later $1,500). Previously sold Sotheby's December 13, 2011 ( lot 241) for $1.6M (est. $100K+). Resold Christie's January 23, 2026 (lot 242) for $2.5M. These papers formalize the company just after prototyping/demo phase.The path from experimental demo to production validation unfolded rapidly in spring 1976, as the Byte Shop order demanded functional assembled boards.
2011 Sotheby's Auction (Lot 241, December 13, 2011)
Ronald Wayne's personal copy of the founding documents sold as a set of three items:
- The original 3-page partnership agreement (dated April 1, 1976).
- A 1-page amendment (dated April 12, 1976).
- A 1-page Statement of Withdrawal from the County of Santa Clara (signed by Wayne).
In contrast, Christie's 2026 catalogue for lot 242 presents the lot as a single set of four pages together, comprising only the three-page partnership agreement and the one-page amendment letter—without the separate Santa Clara withdrawal statement. The extra one-page county document appears to have been removed or separated from the grouping for this resale.
Significance in Computer History
These documents mark the formal birth of Apple Computer Company, launching the personal computer revolution. They symbolize the shift from mainframes to accessible home computing, paving the way for the Apple II (1977), Macintosh (1984), and modern devices like the iPhone. Wayne's early exit underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of Silicon Valley startups—his forfeited 10% stake would be worth hundreds of billions today. As foundational artifacts, they represent innovation, entrepreneurship, and the dawn of the digital age, often called Apple's "birth certificate."
5
April-May 1976 Celebration Apple
2026 SOLD for $ 2.75M by RR Auction
Terrell agrees to take 50 motherboards at $ 500 each on the condition that the manufacturing time is less than thirty days.
An Apple-1 that just surfaced undoubtedly anticipates the production. The most visible departure is the heat sink which is too small. Wozniak and Jobs were not thermal engineers and it is only through powering prototypes and not by calculations that they could appreciate that this element was undersized.
This motherboard was nevertheless used and Apple joined the same accessories and documents as on regular models : interface cassette, BASIC tape, user manuals, warranty.
The Apple Computer cassette bears a handwritten inscription identifying the reentry code after reset and the words "Good luck !!". A friend of Jobs who became one of Apple's first permanent employees is recognizing his handwriting. It appears plausible that this specimen has been assembled either by him or by Jobs during the early development phase and sold by him after about one year.
That 'Celebration' fiberglass validation board holds a singular importance as the first board with the revised, corrected layout that Jobs and Wozniak used to verify the Apple-1's viability for manufacturing. It encapsulates the moment Apple transitioned from garage-based experimentation to a viable product ready for market, laying the groundwork for the personal computing revolution.
It was sold for $ 815K with no identified buyer's premium by CharityBuzz on August 25, 2016. It is not working. It would probably be easy to reactivate it by changing some electronic parts but its historical value rather invites to leave it in its original condition. The video is shared by CharityBuzz.
Sold RR Auction January 29, 2026 (lot 6003) for $2.75M — a record for prototypes, reflecting its pivotal role in validating fixes before scaling. The video is shared by the auction house. The board is narrated in both videos by Corey Cohen. The auction lot includes the original board along with period-correct accessories: a vintage Key Tronic keyboard (circa 1977), a vintage power supply, a vintage Sony TV set, a replica Apple-1 Operation Manual signed by Steve Wozniak, and a replica Apple-1 schematic also signed by Wozniak.
An Apple-1 that just surfaced undoubtedly anticipates the production. The most visible departure is the heat sink which is too small. Wozniak and Jobs were not thermal engineers and it is only through powering prototypes and not by calculations that they could appreciate that this element was undersized.
This motherboard was nevertheless used and Apple joined the same accessories and documents as on regular models : interface cassette, BASIC tape, user manuals, warranty.
The Apple Computer cassette bears a handwritten inscription identifying the reentry code after reset and the words "Good luck !!". A friend of Jobs who became one of Apple's first permanent employees is recognizing his handwriting. It appears plausible that this specimen has been assembled either by him or by Jobs during the early development phase and sold by him after about one year.
That 'Celebration' fiberglass validation board holds a singular importance as the first board with the revised, corrected layout that Jobs and Wozniak used to verify the Apple-1's viability for manufacturing. It encapsulates the moment Apple transitioned from garage-based experimentation to a viable product ready for market, laying the groundwork for the personal computing revolution.
It was sold for $ 815K with no identified buyer's premium by CharityBuzz on August 25, 2016. It is not working. It would probably be easy to reactivate it by changing some electronic parts but its historical value rather invites to leave it in its original condition. The video is shared by CharityBuzz.
Sold RR Auction January 29, 2026 (lot 6003) for $2.75M — a record for prototypes, reflecting its pivotal role in validating fixes before scaling. The video is shared by the auction house. The board is narrated in both videos by Corey Cohen. The auction lot includes the original board along with period-correct accessories: a vintage Key Tronic keyboard (circa 1977), a vintage power supply, a vintage Sony TV set, a replica Apple-1 Operation Manual signed by Steve Wozniak, and a replica Apple-1 schematic also signed by Wozniak.
6
July-August 1976 ex Byte Shop
2014 SOLD for $ 900K by Bonhams
The Apple Computer 1 aka Apple-1, created in 1976, was the first personal computer ready to use, which means that the components were assembled on the printed circuit before the sale. The user had however to connect by himself this card to a keyboard, to a monitor and to a tape injecting a program in BASIC language.
Delivered July–August 1976 after garage production of the first batch. The Apple 1 was now available for $ 666.66, a figure chosen by Wozniak to bring good luck.
Byte Shop batch (first 50 units): Wave-soldered fiberglass production boards (serial prefix 01-00xx); hand-assembled by Jobs/Wozniak; delivered July-August 1976. These incorporated final tweaks for reliability. Early production Apple-1 (e.g., serial 01-00xx range, wave-soldered). Sold through Terrell's store starting July 1976.
The serial numbers from 01-0011 to 01-0070 were not assigned by Apple and do not fully match with the units sold by Byte Shop. Yet they remain a good indicator of the very first production, before a change of source of the PCB.
These examples of the first personal computer obviously appeal to the museums, provided they are in working condition.
One of the 50 units supplied to Byte Shop was sold for $ 900K by Bonhams on October 22, 2014, lot 286. The motherboard is accompanied by its original Apple-1 cassette interface and is still functioning without having undergone repairs. It was acquired by the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.
Delivered July–August 1976 after garage production of the first batch. The Apple 1 was now available for $ 666.66, a figure chosen by Wozniak to bring good luck.
Byte Shop batch (first 50 units): Wave-soldered fiberglass production boards (serial prefix 01-00xx); hand-assembled by Jobs/Wozniak; delivered July-August 1976. These incorporated final tweaks for reliability. Early production Apple-1 (e.g., serial 01-00xx range, wave-soldered). Sold through Terrell's store starting July 1976.
The serial numbers from 01-0011 to 01-0070 were not assigned by Apple and do not fully match with the units sold by Byte Shop. Yet they remain a good indicator of the very first production, before a change of source of the PCB.
These examples of the first personal computer obviously appeal to the museums, provided they are in working condition.
One of the 50 units supplied to Byte Shop was sold for $ 900K by Bonhams on October 22, 2014, lot 286. The motherboard is accompanied by its original Apple-1 cassette interface and is still functioning without having undergone repairs. It was acquired by the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.
7
ex Jobs and Allen
2024 SOLD for $ 945K by Christie's
An Apple-1 had been kept by Jobs as a demonstration model. It had been fitted with a 4K EPROM bypassing the original PROM monitor for being used as a demonstration unit and had possibly a role in the development of the Apple-II.
Removed from Apple in 1985 after Jobs left the company, it was acquired ca 2005 by Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen.
Mounted in a metal casing with a keyboard and a monitor, it was sold for $ 945K from a lower estimate of $ 500K by Christie's on September 10, 2024, lot 10 in the sale of the Allen collection.
Removed from Apple in 1985 after Jobs left the company, it was acquired ca 2005 by Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen.
Mounted in a metal casing with a keyboard and a monitor, it was sold for $ 945K from a lower estimate of $ 500K by Christie's on September 10, 2024, lot 10 in the sale of the Allen collection.
8
motherboard 01-0059
2025 SOLD for $ 570K by Sotheby's
Some Apple-1 are casually resurfacing, like a unit left at the beginning of this year in a recycling center by a widow among boxes of obsolete electronic equipment. The owner had failed to provide her identity.
The growing interest in the Apple-1 led to the discovery of functional units that were previously unknown. The registry carefully maintained by Mike Willegal identifies as of 2015 no less than 16 Apple-1 whose satisfactory operational status has been verified since 2010. This high rate is explained by the fact that the Apple-1 was rarely used by its customers due to the significant improvements offered by the Apple-II from the following year.
The near new condition, with no peeling in the printed circuit, of the motherboard 01-0059, from the original batch of 50, aroused some admiration. Bonhams sold it for $ 365K on September 21, 2015, lot 77. Its first owner who sold it before 1981 to a specialized dealer had stated that he had powered it only once or twice, and the dealer kept in on his shelf. The video shared by Bonhams is confirming its remarkable condition. Its microprocessor is an Actel 6502.
This motherboard 36 x 23 x 6.4 cm was sold for $ 570K by Sotheby's on July 17, 2025,
The growing interest in the Apple-1 led to the discovery of functional units that were previously unknown. The registry carefully maintained by Mike Willegal identifies as of 2015 no less than 16 Apple-1 whose satisfactory operational status has been verified since 2010. This high rate is explained by the fact that the Apple-1 was rarely used by its customers due to the significant improvements offered by the Apple-II from the following year.
The near new condition, with no peeling in the printed circuit, of the motherboard 01-0059, from the original batch of 50, aroused some admiration. Bonhams sold it for $ 365K on September 21, 2015, lot 77. Its first owner who sold it before 1981 to a specialized dealer had stated that he had powered it only once or twice, and the dealer kept in on his shelf. The video shared by Bonhams is confirming its remarkable condition. Its microprocessor is an Actel 6502.
This motherboard 36 x 23 x 6.4 cm was sold for $ 570K by Sotheby's on July 17, 2025,
1977 Apple Computer poster
2026 SOLD for $ 660K by RR Auction
The Steve Jobs's Personally-Owned 1977 Apple Computer Inc. Poster (lot 6014 in RR Auction's "Steve Jobs & the Computer Revolution: The Apple 50th Anniversary Auction," closing January 29, 2026) is a rare vintage promotional poster from Apple's earliest days as a funded company. It sold for $659,900 (well above the $5,000+ estimate), reflecting its provenance: it was personally owned by Steve Jobs and hung in his family's living room at the Los Altos home (where the garage served as Apple's original headquarters and production space).
Textual description: This circa 1977 poster measures 16 x 20 inches and promotes "Apple Computer Inc." shortly after the company secured significant funding (notably Mike Markkula's $250,000 investment in early 1977, which enabled incorporation, hiring, and scaling production beyond the garage). It features early Apple branding, likely including the original rainbow-striped Apple logo (introduced in 1977 with the Apple II era), company name styling as "Apple Computer Inc.," and promotional text emphasizing the revolutionary personal computer vision—positioning Apple as an innovative startup making computing accessible. Such posters were produced in limited quantities for trade shows, dealer displays, internal use, or promotional distribution during the transition from the Apple-1 (sold as bare boards in 1976) to the more professional Apple II launch.
Its significance lies in its extreme rarity as one of the earliest known Apple promotional posters—created in the window between the company's informal startup phase and its formal corporate identity. Unlike later mass-produced posters (e.g., the 1980 "Apple Personal Computers" or "Think" variants), this one captures the raw excitement of 1977, when Apple was still a tiny operation but poised for explosive growth with the Apple II's debut at the West Coast Computer Faire in April 1977. Its personal association with Jobs (displayed in the family home alongside garage prototypes and early inventory) adds intimate provenance, making it a tangible link to the domestic origins of the company.
In Apple's timeline, this poster dates to early-to-mid 1977 (circa post-January 3, 1977 incorporation):
Textual description: This circa 1977 poster measures 16 x 20 inches and promotes "Apple Computer Inc." shortly after the company secured significant funding (notably Mike Markkula's $250,000 investment in early 1977, which enabled incorporation, hiring, and scaling production beyond the garage). It features early Apple branding, likely including the original rainbow-striped Apple logo (introduced in 1977 with the Apple II era), company name styling as "Apple Computer Inc.," and promotional text emphasizing the revolutionary personal computer vision—positioning Apple as an innovative startup making computing accessible. Such posters were produced in limited quantities for trade shows, dealer displays, internal use, or promotional distribution during the transition from the Apple-1 (sold as bare boards in 1976) to the more professional Apple II launch.
Its significance lies in its extreme rarity as one of the earliest known Apple promotional posters—created in the window between the company's informal startup phase and its formal corporate identity. Unlike later mass-produced posters (e.g., the 1980 "Apple Personal Computers" or "Think" variants), this one captures the raw excitement of 1977, when Apple was still a tiny operation but poised for explosive growth with the Apple II's debut at the West Coast Computer Faire in April 1977. Its personal association with Jobs (displayed in the family home alongside garage prototypes and early inventory) adds intimate provenance, making it a tangible link to the domestic origins of the company.
In Apple's timeline, this poster dates to early-to-mid 1977 (circa post-January 3, 1977 incorporation):
- 1976 (pre-founding to mid-year): Apple-1 development, first checks (March 1976), partnership formed (April 1, 1976), limited sales of ~200 Apple-1 units (mostly July 1976 onward).
- Late 1976–early 1977: Mike Markkula invests (January 1977), leading to incorporation as Apple Computer Inc. on January 3, 1977; professional structure, funding for Apple II production, and early marketing efforts.
- 1977: Apple II announced/released (April 1977 at WCCF); first widespread promotional materials emerge, including this poster style, to attract dealers, press, and early adopters.
- Post-1977: Branding evolves further with rainbow logo refinements and more polished campaigns (e.g., 1984 Macintosh era).
1980 Apple II Manual inscribed by Jobs
2021 SOLD for $ 790K by RR Auction
2026 for sale by Christie's on March 12
With its bare motherboard and its 200 units entirely built by hand, the Apple I could not target more than the hobbyists from Palo Alto and vicinity. The real breakthrough in terms of personal computers was the Apple II, released in 1977. The public already led on by the highly effective Hewlett Packard pocket calculators will very quickly assure the success of the new machines.
The availability from 1979 of a spreadsheet made it hugely popular for a professional use. Taking into account its later variants, it was produced until 1993.
In 1980 the Apple II reference manual is a spiral bound volume of 196 pages 15 x 22 cm. One of them has been inscribed by Steve Jobs. In these few autographed words, 'Steven' Jobs provides to a teenager a clear vision of the impact of the Apple machines on our civilization : "Julian, Your generation is the first to grow up with computers. Go change the world !".
The boy was the son of the UK distributor of Apple II. He was busy with his computer with the user manual in his hands when Jobs, accompanied by his angel investor Mike Markkula, went to visit his father at home. Markkula co-signed the inscription. Julian could not know at that time how scarce the autographs and signatures are.
This book was sold for $ 790K on August 19, 2021 by RR Auction, lot 7001, and for $ 280K by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 42 in the sale of the Jim Irsay collection.
The Apple II Reference Manual inscribed by Steve Jobs is one of the most iconic and valuable pieces of tech memorabilia tied to his legacy. This specific spiral-bound volume—196 pages, measuring 15 x 22 cm (approximately 6 x 8.5 inches)—dates to the early Apple II era around 1980. What elevates it far beyond a standard technical document is Jobs' personal inscription in blue ink (opposite the Table of Contents or on the inside front cover):
"Julian, Your generation is the first to grow up with computers. Go change the world! steven jobs, 1980."
(He signed as "steven jobs," using his full first name in a more formal or personal touch.)
This item first achieved widespread attention when it sold at RR Auction on August 19, 2021, as lot 7001, realizing $787,484 (including buyer's premium; often rounded to about $790K in reports). The buyer was Jim Irsay, the Indianapolis Colts owner and renowned collector of cultural artifacts (from rock 'n' roll manuscripts to historic documents).
It is now part of The Jim Irsay Collection and will cross the block again at Christie's in New York on March 12, 2026, as lot 42 in the live auction titled The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame. Pre-sale estimates from Christie's range from $300,000–$800,000 (some listings show $200,000–$500,000 as a lower band, but higher figures appear in catalog references), reflecting both its proven market performance and the prestige of the Irsay provenance.
Rarity of the Autograph
Steve Jobs was notoriously reluctant to sign autographs—he reportedly felt "weird" about it on multiple occasions and signed very sparingly throughout his life. Major auction houses like RR Auction have noted that, over decades of handling memorabilia, they've encountered only a handful of authentic Jobs autographs (fewer than 10 documented in some expert analyses since 2012). Inscribed examples are even scarcer, especially those with meaningful, personalized text rather than a simple signature.
This particular inscription stands out as exceptionally rare: it's tied directly to the Apple II era (the formative period of personal computing), addressed to a teenager ("Julian"), and carries Jobs' visionary encouragement. While other Jobs-signed items exist (e.g., business cards, checks, letters, or later Mac manuals), few combine hardware-era provenance, a prophetic message, and such personal directness. The 2021 sale set a world record for a Jobs autograph at the time, underscoring how infrequently these appear and how intensely collectors pursue them.
Deep Meaning and Premonition of the Inscription
The words are remarkably prescient, especially in 1980. The Apple II (launched in 1977) was one of the first mass-market personal computers, but computing was still niche—mostly hobbyists, schools, and early businesses. Most children and teens had never interacted with a real computer at home.
Jobs' message to Julian captures a profound shift:
This piece bridges tangible history (an early Apple artifact) with intangible vision (Jobs' philosophy). Its upcoming Christie's appearance in the high-profile Irsay Collection sale will likely draw huge attention, especially given its track record and cultural weight. If you're following tech history or memorabilia, this is one of the standout items of the decade.
The availability from 1979 of a spreadsheet made it hugely popular for a professional use. Taking into account its later variants, it was produced until 1993.
In 1980 the Apple II reference manual is a spiral bound volume of 196 pages 15 x 22 cm. One of them has been inscribed by Steve Jobs. In these few autographed words, 'Steven' Jobs provides to a teenager a clear vision of the impact of the Apple machines on our civilization : "Julian, Your generation is the first to grow up with computers. Go change the world !".
The boy was the son of the UK distributor of Apple II. He was busy with his computer with the user manual in his hands when Jobs, accompanied by his angel investor Mike Markkula, went to visit his father at home. Markkula co-signed the inscription. Julian could not know at that time how scarce the autographs and signatures are.
This book was sold for $ 790K on August 19, 2021 by RR Auction, lot 7001, and for $ 280K by Christie's on March 12, 2026, lot 42 in the sale of the Jim Irsay collection.
The Apple II Reference Manual inscribed by Steve Jobs is one of the most iconic and valuable pieces of tech memorabilia tied to his legacy. This specific spiral-bound volume—196 pages, measuring 15 x 22 cm (approximately 6 x 8.5 inches)—dates to the early Apple II era around 1980. What elevates it far beyond a standard technical document is Jobs' personal inscription in blue ink (opposite the Table of Contents or on the inside front cover):
"Julian, Your generation is the first to grow up with computers. Go change the world! steven jobs, 1980."
(He signed as "steven jobs," using his full first name in a more formal or personal touch.)
This item first achieved widespread attention when it sold at RR Auction on August 19, 2021, as lot 7001, realizing $787,484 (including buyer's premium; often rounded to about $790K in reports). The buyer was Jim Irsay, the Indianapolis Colts owner and renowned collector of cultural artifacts (from rock 'n' roll manuscripts to historic documents).
It is now part of The Jim Irsay Collection and will cross the block again at Christie's in New York on March 12, 2026, as lot 42 in the live auction titled The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame. Pre-sale estimates from Christie's range from $300,000–$800,000 (some listings show $200,000–$500,000 as a lower band, but higher figures appear in catalog references), reflecting both its proven market performance and the prestige of the Irsay provenance.
Rarity of the Autograph
Steve Jobs was notoriously reluctant to sign autographs—he reportedly felt "weird" about it on multiple occasions and signed very sparingly throughout his life. Major auction houses like RR Auction have noted that, over decades of handling memorabilia, they've encountered only a handful of authentic Jobs autographs (fewer than 10 documented in some expert analyses since 2012). Inscribed examples are even scarcer, especially those with meaningful, personalized text rather than a simple signature.
This particular inscription stands out as exceptionally rare: it's tied directly to the Apple II era (the formative period of personal computing), addressed to a teenager ("Julian"), and carries Jobs' visionary encouragement. While other Jobs-signed items exist (e.g., business cards, checks, letters, or later Mac manuals), few combine hardware-era provenance, a prophetic message, and such personal directness. The 2021 sale set a world record for a Jobs autograph at the time, underscoring how infrequently these appear and how intensely collectors pursue them.
Deep Meaning and Premonition of the Inscription
The words are remarkably prescient, especially in 1980. The Apple II (launched in 1977) was one of the first mass-market personal computers, but computing was still niche—mostly hobbyists, schools, and early businesses. Most children and teens had never interacted with a real computer at home.
Jobs' message to Julian captures a profound shift:
- "Your generation is the first to grow up with computers" — He foresaw the normalization of personal tech in everyday life, from childhood onward. This was prophetic: the 1980s–1990s saw computers enter homes en masse, followed by the internet, smartphones, and ubiquitous digital tools. Today's adults (and certainly Gen Z and beyond) have indeed been the first cohorts to treat computers as extensions of self from early childhood.
- "Go change the world!" — This is classic Jobs: optimistic, demanding, and world-shaping. It echoes his own drive and Apple's ethos ("Think Different"). In retrospect, it's almost eerily accurate—the generation that grew up with Apple II-era machines (and successors) produced innovators who built the modern internet, social media, AI, mobile ecosystems, and more. Many of today's tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators were precisely those kids who first encountered computing in that era.
This piece bridges tangible history (an early Apple artifact) with intangible vision (Jobs' philosophy). Its upcoming Christie's appearance in the high-profile Irsay Collection sale will likely draw huge attention, especially given its track record and cultural weight. If you're following tech history or memorabilia, this is one of the standout items of the decade.
