The hardcover edition was sold on October 14 at Heritage Auctions in Texas. After four minutes of bidding, the final hammer price reached $320,000. Including the buyer’s premium, the total came to $400,000.

The book’s value lies not only in its rarity but also in several distinctive features of the first edition. On page 53, the item “1 wand” appears twice in Harry’s school supply list, while the publication details page credits the author as Joanne Rowling, the writer’s full name. Other details and typographical errors characteristic of the first print run can also be found on the cover.

The book was published by British publisher Bloomsbury in 1997, when the story of the young wizard was only beginning its journey toward worldwide fame. Copies from the initial print run were originally distributed to children’s libraries, giving young readers the opportunity to discover the new book.

According to the auction house, the copy remains in very good condition. The cover shows only minor scuffs and scratches, while the pages have yellowed slightly with age.

Other rare editions in the series are also sought after by collectors. An American first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, signed by Rowling, previously sold for $18,750, including the buyer’s premium. Signed copies of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban have also fetched several thousand dollars at auction.

Photo: Heritage Auctions / SWNS