A working Apple 1, the first range of computers sold by the US powerhouse, has realised a world record $374,500 at a Sotheby's auction in New York.
Of the 200 produced in 1976 and the 50 believed to be in existence, just six are thought to still be operational.
 Up 75.8% since 2010 |
The computer beat its high estimate of $180,000 by 108% at the June 15 sale, and surpassed the previous record of $213,000 by 75.8%, set in 2010.
The value rise is even more impressive when one considers that the version that sold in 2010 was accompanied by a receipt signed by the company's founder, Steve Jobs.
The sale is a firm indication that the passion for collectors of technology from Apple's early days is at an all-time high, with last year's passing of Steve Jobs no doubt bringing an influx of nostalgic buyers into the market.
"When Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs presented the Apple 1 Computer to the Homebrew Computer Club in 1976, it was dismissed by everyone but Paul Terrell, the owner of a chain of stores called Byte Shop," said Sotheby's of the computer.
"Terrell ordered 50 computers for $500 apiece."
The Sotheby's auction also featured a 1974 memo from Jobs detailing ways to improve the Atari World Cup Soccer arcade game.
The four page report and accompanying note to the games manufacturer sold for $27,500, well up on its $15,000 high estimate.
In December the Jobs-signed 1976 contract which established the first Apple partnership made $1.6m, also at Sotheby's New York.
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