Rare Apple-1 Computer in Koa Wood Case Sells for $500,000 During Auction

A very rare working Apple-1, fitted within a Hawaiian koa wood case, has sold at an auction for $500,000 in the US.

In total, only 200 koa wood Apple-1 sets have been made. This specific unit has only had two owners in the past. According to the BBC, John Moran Auctioneers in California has stated that the first was a college professor. The second owner was in fact his student to who he sold the unit for $650 in 1977.

The koa wood case was added by California computer retailer ByteShop. The auctioned sale is said to include user manuals and two cassette tapes containing Apple software. A copy of the professional authentication and condition report was included alongside a proof of life DVD. On top of that, the Apple-1 is still in working condition. In 2021, it’s said there is an estimated 20 Apple-1 units around the world that are in functioning order.

The unit was sold for $400,000 though the buyer had to pay a total of $500,000 as there was a steep 25% premium attached to the auction.