NLB Auctions is to place a truly spellbinding lot under the hammer, this coming weekend!

A rare first edition, this magical copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be up for auction on 8^th February 2025, and is expected to sell for up to £40,000.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first edition available at auction, 8^th February 2025, 11am

View lot here

How to Bid

This charming book is a must-have for any serious collector. For your chance to bid online, register at easyliveAuction.com.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first edition available at auction, 8^th February 2025, 11am

View lot here

How Was the First Edition Found?

Daniel Pearce, of NLB Auctions, identified the book as an extremely rare first edition from the first print run, of which only 500 were printed in 1997. 200 of these copies were sent to bookshops, whilst a further 300 were distributed to public libraries across the UK. This copy was part of the latter grouping, with pencil markings showing that it was later sold on from the library for the sum of £2.

The book was found by Pearce when examining the possessions of a deceased man from Brixham. The family were both delighted and astounded by the valuation, as the book had been sitting on the shelf for around twenty years and had been earmarked for disposal. Originally, Pearce valued the book from £12 - £20,000 based on previous sales of similar items, however this later increased after further investigations were made into the condition.

Daniel Pearce, NLB Auctions, identified the book as a first edition. Source: BBC News, 14^th January 2025

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A first edition sold for £10,500 with Richard Winterton Auctioneers in July 2023 

How to Spot a Rare Harry Potter First Edition

There are several indications when it comes to identifying first editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. If you have any early copies in your own home, these are some of the signs to look out for:

1. A misspelling of Philosophers on the back cover. This appears as ‘Philospher’s’
2. The print line must have the numbers extending from ten down to one
3. On page 53, there is a misprint within the list of school supplies from Hogwarts. The list states ‘1 wand’ twice. This was revised in the second printing, however recurs in some later printings
4. The back cover includes the phrasing ‘Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft’ which is amended to ‘Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’ in subsequent editions
5. The publisher is listed as Bloomsbury on the title page
6. The date listed in the copyright information must be 1997

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first edition available at auction, 8^th February 2025, 11am

View lot here

This unmissable auction will be hosted by NLB Auctions at their Paignton Showroom, and online through Easy Live Auction  on Saturday 8^th February from 11am, Lot 411A.

Register in advance and get ready to place your bids in this exciting event!