Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Signed Apple I computer sells for a record $1.15 million
The “Hatfield” Apple I sold for $1,148,200 at a Bonhams auction, setting a record for the model.
The computer was built in 1976 and first sold to Fred Hatfield for $666.60.
It is one of only 74 verified Apple I computers left and is still working.
Its motherboard bears the signature of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
A letter from Steve Jobs offered Hatfield an Apple II upgrade, adding to the machine’s historical interest.
The auction also included original manuals and other equipment, and bidding came down to two people.
The sale shows the rare computer’s strong appeal to collectors; it previously sold for about $671,400 in 2013.
The buyer’s identity was not disclosed.
The signed Hatfield Apple I computer sold at a Bonhams auction for a record $1,148,200, about $1.15 million.
The machine, built in 1976, was signed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and came with a letter from Steve Jobs.
The auction ended with two bidders competing, and the price exceeded Bonhams’ expected top range of $800,000.
The computer was originally sold to Fred Hatfield for $666.60 and is listed as number 48 in the Apple I registry.
The sale set the highest price reported for an Apple I to date.
- Who
- An unknown buyer bought the computer at auction.
- What
- The signed Hatfield Apple I sold for $1,148,200, a record price for an Apple I.
- When
- October 2026. AppleInsider reported the sale on October 14, and Engadget reported it on October 15.
- Where
- At a Bonhams auction; the auction location is not stated.
- Why
- The sources point to the computer’s rarity, working condition, Wozniak signature and accompanying Jobs letter as features of interest to collectors.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Apple I was built and originally sold to Fred Hatfield for $666.60.
The Hatfield Apple I sold at auction; the reports give different prices, $671,400 and approximately $666,150.
AppleInsider says the computer had an apparent tour of the United States.
The Hatfield Apple I sold at a Bonhams auction for a record $1,148,200.
- Sale price
- $1,148,200
- Auction house
- Bonhams
- Registry number
- 48
- Original buyer
- Fred Hatfield
- Original price
- $666.60
- Signature
- Steve Wozniak, on the motherboard
3 sources
What people are saying
We are delighted with this exceptional result for the 'Hatfield' Apple I, one of the most important milestones in computing history,
It was an honor to offer Apple's first product during the company's 50th anniversary year,