An original edition of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," labeled as an "uncorrected proof copy," acquired over 30 years ago for a mere 40 pence, recently fetched a noteworthy sum of 11,000 pounds (Rs 11.5 lakhs) at an auction.
The anonymous seller, who procured the book in 1997 from a south London bookstore as part of a three-novel bundle for a total of 40 pence, disclosed that it was initially considered a "throw-in" purchase. The book remained overlooked for years until the seller learned of the substantial prices other Harry Potter books were commanding.
The auction, conducted by British auctioneers Hanson's, saw the book sell for 11,000 pounds, inclusive of a sales premium, bringing the total to 14,432 pounds.
The buyer, based in the United Kingdom, expressed interest in the rare copy. The inside title page of the proof copy erroneously listed the author's name as "J A Rowling" instead of J.K. Rowling, as confirmed by Jim Spencer, head of books at the auction house.
"This book so deserved to do well. This proof copy is where the Harry Potter phenomenon began. This is the very first appearance in print of the first Potter novel," remarked Spencer.
In a similar auction last year, another exceptionally rare Harry Potter book, initially bought for 30 pence, was sold for 10,500 pounds.
This first-edition copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," published by Bloomsbury in 1997, was one of 500 produced, with only 300 sent to libraries. The winning bid came from a buyer in Los Angeles. The book, estimated to be worth 3,000 to 5,000 pounds due to its "much-loved condition" as an ex-library book, highlighted the continued high demand for rare Harry Potter editions.