A working Apple-1 computer is heading to auction with an estimated value exceeding $800,000. This sale offers collectors a rare chance to acquire one of only 74 surviving units of the machine that started Apple Inc. The unit, known as 'Hatfield', carries significant historical weight due to its provenance and original ownership by Fred Hatfield.
Rare unit includes Wozniak signature and Jobs offer letter
The computer was designed by Steve Wozniak around the MOS 6502 processor and originally sold for $666.66. This specific board is number 48 in the registry and includes a motherboard signed by Wozniak. It also comes with an offer letter from Steve Jobs, an Apple cassette interface board, and original manuals.
Specifications
- Processor: MOS 6502
- Registry Number: 48
- Original Launch Price: $666.66
- Auction Estimate: Over $800,000
The auction will run until October 14, 2026, with the final price currently estimated at over $800,000. The lot includes a preliminary Apple BASIC guide and a typed invitation to the Apple-1 Owners Club. Wozniak has described seeing a typed character appear on a screen as a first in history, highlighting the machine's novelty at launch.
The Apple-1 was previously sold for $671,400 in 2013, showing a significant appreciation in value over the last decade. Collectors interested in vintage computing hardware should monitor the auction results closely. The sale represents a major event for the retro computing community.
Source: NotebookCheck
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