Rare Apple-1 Computer Sells for $400,000 at Auction

A rare Apple-1 computer, one of only 200 ever made, recently sold for $400,000 at an auction by John Moran Auctioneers. Designed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and assembled by Steve Jobs in his home, this early Apple device is one of six known units encased in rare Koa wood, adding to its unique appeal. With just two previous owners, this particular Apple-1 is listed in the official registry as the “Chaffey College Apple-1.”

The computer’s history traces back to an electronics professor at California’s Chaffey College, who bought it initially and later sold it to one of his students for $650 in 1977. Experts estimate that only around 60 Apple-1 computers still exist, with about 20 in working condition, making this device a prized item for collectors of vintage electronics.

The original Apple-1 units were priced at $666.66, a choice influenced by Wozniak’s penchant for repeating numbers. Among these, 50 were sold to Paul Terrell’s Byte Shop, one of the world’s first computer stores. The recently auctioned Apple-1 underwent an extensive authentication, restoration, and evaluation process, verified by experts, ensuring its status as a highly sought-after piece of computing history.