Rare First Edition Error of Harry Potter Book Expected to Bring in $25K at Bonhams Auction

A rare copy of the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is up for auction as Bonhams, with the expected price somewhere between £15,000-20,000.

Published in 1997, the first edition of the Harry Potter series has an error on page 53; the phrase “1 wand” is repeated in the list of required equipment at Hogwarts. This error was corrected in subsequent editions, making the uncorrected first edition extremely valuable, especially the first printing of the hardback.

The first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is also known for the repetition on page 53 of ‘1 wand’ in the list of equipment that pupils must take with them to Hogwarts at the beginning of term. This error was corrected in subsequent editions. The first edition comes in various formats, but the most valuable is the first impression of the hardback, which must carry the number sequence 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on the reverse of the title-page. The second impression of the hardback is also of some value, as is the first impression of the paperback. (Bonhams)

Oliver Williams

Bonhams lists the book in “extraordinarily fine” condition, much to the excitement of their Head of Books and Manuscripts, Matthew Haley. “This copy is in excellent condition, one of the very best I’ve seen,” he says, “and we’re expecting a lot of interest.”

The book is expected to come up for auction on November 9, 2016.