A first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has sold at auction for over €53,000

In 1997, 500 copies of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling were printed and sold. At the time, there was a level of uncertainty over how the book would do and whether or not it would be worth it to print more copies.

We all know how that turned out and now, one of those rare first edition copies has sold at auction for a rather impressive €53,000, which was higher than originally predicted. Obviously, this being a first edition and one of those first 500 printed copies makes this a special book, but there is more to the value than just the fact it is a first edition copy.

On top of being a first-edition copy, this is also a copy with errors. Specifically the misspelling of Philosopher's on the cover of the book, as well as a duplication of a wand on page 53. Add to that the fact that this was a hardcover copy of the book, and you apparently have all the makings of a very expensive copy of a Harry Potter book.

According to EuroNews, the auction took place in Edinburgh, which is also where J.K. Rowling wrote quite a bit of the story. And according to the head of books and manuscripts, Cathy Marsden, "A first edition of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone is an exceptionally rare book to find in any condition, and one in such an excellent condition could well be called the jewel in any Harry Potter collector's crown."

A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has sold for an impressive $56,000

It makes sense that such a rare book and in excellent condition would end up doing well at auction. However, the fact that it went for €53,000 is mind-blowing. Considering that is the equivalent of approximately $56,733, that is a lot of money for a single book. And yet, as book lovers we understand the value that fans place on certain books and works.

This copy of Harry Potter was not the only high-value piece to sell at the auction, and it was not even the only Harry Potter item sold. Other books and works sold included a copy of Casino Royale with an inscription from the author, Ian Fleming, and even another Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone with a letter from Rowling to the previous owner of the book.

It is amazing to see what some of these works are selling for at auction and maybe it is me, but it makes me want to hit up the used bookstore to find what other gems might be waiting for a new home.

What do you think of this rather impressive auction? Are you surprised by how much the book sold for?