Rare Working Apple-1 Computer Could Fetch $800,000 at Auction
Rare Working Apple-1 Could Fetch $800,000 at Auction
An original, fully operational Apple-1 computer known as the “Hatfield” unit is expected to fetch between $500,000 and $800,000 when it goes to auction this October, according to auction details covered by MacRumors. The machine stands out as one of fewer than 75 Apple-1 computers known to survive globally, and part of an even smaller subset of units that remain in working condition.
The Tech TL;DR:
- Valuation: Estimated between $500,000 and $800,000 for the upcoming October auction, following a 2013 sale at $671,400.
- Rarity Metric: Only 200 units were produced in 1976 by Jobs and Wozniak, with fewer than 75 surviving today.
Provenance, Hardware Specifications, and the Hatfield Lineage
Cataloged as number 48 on the official Apple-1 registry, the Hatfield unit carries deep historical provenance. According to historical accounts, the machine was originally purchased by Fred Hatfield, an employee of Computer Data Systems. The hardware features a signature by Steve Wozniak alongside an authentic letter written and signed by Steve Jobs. Jobs previously authorized a trade-in for the newly released Apple II after Hatfield voiced frustrations regarding Apple-1 software limitations, though Hatfield ultimately declined because the upgrade required an additional $400 payment.
The unit changed hands in 2013, selling for $40,000 in a non-functional state. A subsequent buyer restored the motherboard to working condition, secured Wozniak’s signature on the physical board, and resold the piece at a later auction for $671,400.
Production Background of the 1976 Homebrew Era
In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak manufactured an initial batch of 200 Apple-1 computers. The core design was originally marketed as a bare circuit board kit intended for hobbyists within the Homebrew Computer Club. However, to scale distribution beyond DIY enthusiasts, Jobs secured a pivotal retail deal with California-based retailer The Byte Shop. The Byte Shop took delivery of 50 fully assembled systems housed in custom wood enclosures, reselling them to consumers for $666.66.
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Exhibition Details and Auction Timeline
Public and private viewings for the Hatfield Apple-1 are scheduled across Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, and New York, with venue dates hosted on the official auctioneer portal. Bidding windows open on October 4 and conclude on October 14. Historical precedents indicate that fully functional Apple-1 computers have previously cleared the $900,000 threshold, though final hammer prices fluctuate based on physical condition, component matching, and verified documentation.
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