A pristine first-generation iPhone recently sold for a whopping $130,027.20 at LCG Auctions.
Recent auctions have underscored the enduring value of Apple memorabilia, particularly items associated with the company’s co-founder, Steve Jobs. However, a new development suggests that certain technological relics hold their own allure within the collector’s market.
A factory-sealed, first-generation iPhone recently surpassed expectations at LCG Auctions, achieving a final sale price of $130,027.20. This figure surpasses the value fetched by a Steve Jobs-signed Apple business card in a previous auction.
While the ubiquity of smartphones today renders the first iPhone functionally obsolete, its historical significance and limited availability, particularly the rare 4GB model discontinued shortly after release, contribute to its appeal amongst collectors. Indeed, past auctions have seen similar models achieve even higher prices, with one reaching over $190,000.
This development serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Apple’s pioneering products. It also suggests that well-preserved early models possess the potential to become valuable collectibles. As such, individuals in possession of such artifacts may find them worthy of professional appraisal.