What sets this Apple-1 apart is its koa wood case—a unique feature, as most Apple-1s were sold as component parts. Only a few were encased in this rare Hawaiian wood, adding to its value and appeal. According to Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen, this model is a “holy grail” for vintage tech enthusiasts, sparking considerable excitement in the collector community.
The Apple-1 was originally purchased by a Chaffey College electronics professor, who later sold it to a student for $650 in 1977. The sale, conducted by John Moran Auctioneers, included a 1986 Panasonic video monitor and marked a significant return on investment for its former student owner. However, the price was notably lower than the record $900,000 fetched by another Apple-1 sold in 2014.
Apple’s early success in the 1970s and 80s eventually faltered, but a revival in the late 1990s under Steve Jobs’ leadership led to revolutionary products like the iPod and iPhone. Today, the Apple-1 stands as a testament to the company’s humble beginnings and is cherished by collectors not only from tech backgrounds but from diverse fields, eager to own a piece of computing history.
