A rare first edition copy of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ is expected to fetch thousands of pounds at an upcoming auction, 27 years after its original owner purchased it for just £3.50.

The incredibly rare first edition copy of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ can be found in Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ two-day antique and home sale, starting 9^th September from 9:30 am.

This softcover edition, which marks the debut of the famous wizard, will be auctioned by Richard Winterton Auctioneers on Monday, 9^th September, at The Lichfield Auction Centre. The auction, starting at 9:30 am, features the book as Lot 300.

You can find this incredibly rare first edition copy of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ online at Easy Live Auction.
It is Lot 300 in Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ 9^th September sale. View Lot here.

The book is estimated to sell for £3,000 to £3,500, though its pristine condition could push the final price to £5,000.

The vendor, Jane Thompson-Webb from Erdington, bought the book in 1997 while working at Ottakar’s Bookshop in Birmingham. Initially priced at £4.99, her employee discount reduced the cost to about £3.50.

Jane recalls the excitement surrounding the book’s release, particularly the enthusiasm it sparked in young boys who eagerly awaited the next instalment. Now aged 52, Jane remains an avid Harry Potter fan, though her original softcover copy has been quietly sitting on her bookshelf for over two decades. A recent home clear-out prompted her to send it to auction.

Auctioneer Richard Winterton is confident that the book will attract significant interest, highlighting its exceptional condition. He notes that collectors should look for specific details in first editions, such as a missing 'o' in the word "Philosopher's" on the back cover, and the phrase “Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft,” which was later reversed in subsequent editions as “[Hogwarts School of] Witchcraft and Wizardry”.

The misspelling – “Philospher’s” – can be found on the back cover of first edition copies of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, as well as the phrase including the later reversed “Wizardry and Witchcraft”

Additional indicators include the publisher being listed as Bloomsbury, a copyright date of 1997, and a print line reading “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1.” Another key detail is on page 53, where the school supplies list includes "1 wand" twice.

The full auction catalogue is now available to view on Easy Live Auction. Interested buyers can view the book by appointment on Friday, 6^th September, and can bid online, in person, or via telephone on the day of the auction.

Auctioneer Richard Winterton with the first edition copy of ‘Harry Pottery and the Philosopher’s Stone’

This auction follows a recent sale by Richard Winterton Auctioneers in July 2023, where an ultra-rare hardback first edition of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ sold for £10,500. That copy, initially purchased for 30p after being withdrawn from Wolverhampton Library, was one of only 300 first editions sent to libraries, and attracted international attention, with the winning bid coming from Los Angeles.

This hardback first edition copy of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ went under the hammer for £10,500 at Richard Winterton’s Auctioneers in July 2023

Register at Easy Live Auction now, and see Richard Winterton’s catalogues here.

For more information or to arrange a valuation, contact Richard Winterton Auctioneers.