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A copy of the J.K. Rowling book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has been sold by Webb’s auction house in Auckland for $5,377.50.
The rare first-edition book was published by Bloomsbury in 1999 and has rare printing identifiers.
The auction hose says globally, first-edition books from the Potter series have been increasing in value and this particularly rare copy was expected to fetch $5000-$8000.
It was bought in New Zealand in 1999 and has distinct hallmarks which contribute to the estimated auction price.
“In the mysterious world of rare books, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series has a few ‘holy grails’ for collectors and this particular copy might just be one,” Webb’s says.
“This Bloomsbury first-edition book contains two mistakes that were corrected before the end of that first print run, leading to a second ‘state’ and making it a much sought-after rarity in the already highly collectable world of Pottermania.
“This particular first-edition, first-state copy of the Prisoner of Azkaban was printed in 1999 when the series was starting to gain momentum.
“A modest 5000 (approximately) copies were planned and part-way through the first press release print run a famed mistake (dropped text on page 7) was discovered, leading to a correction and a ‘second state.’
“Additionally, the copyright page lists ‘Joanne Rowling’, rather than the now more well-known J. K. Rowling moniker, a rare detail corrected in later copies, adding to the book’s desirability among collectors and book enthusiasts.
“Accompanying these key identifiers, the book carries the original ISBN 0 7475 4215 5 and the original retail price of £10.99 on the interior dust jacket.”
Webb’s says Rowling’s Harry Potter series has gained massive popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success globally.
“First editions of her books have very quickly become collectable with those that exhibit printing quirks and mistakes that were corrected in subsequent print runs (or later ‘states’) becoming extra coveted.
“Webb’s price records for rare books include a complete set of the Three Official Publications of Cook’s Voyages in first editions which reached $131,450, a second edition of the same series which sold for $29,875, and a David Hockney SUMO: A Bigger Book which sold for $4,421.50.”
