Rare Working Apple

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-02T21:06:04.251Z • Permanent link

In October, a highly anticipated auction took place at Christie's, one of the world's leading auction houses, featuring a rare and highly valuable working Apple-1 computer. This remarkable machine, known as the "Hatfield" Apple-1, is one of fewer than 75 known Apple-1 computers to exist, and it is considered a holy grail for collectors and enthusiasts. The auction, which took place at Christie's New York, drew significant attention from tech aficionados and investors, with many eager to get their hands on this piece of computing history.

Purchased by Fred Haas, a renowned collector and Apple enthusiast, the Apple-1 was originally built in 1976 by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, co-founders of Apple Inc. The machine was designed and hand-built by Wozniak, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of personal computing. The Apple-1 was the first commercially successful personal computer, and it played a crucial role in launching the personal computer revolution. Haas, who has spent decades collecting and preserving vintage Apple products, has long been fascinated by the Apple-1, and he has been instrumental in verifying the machine's authenticity and provenance.

Sold to an anonymous buyer for $800,000, the Hatfield Apple-1 is now part of a new generation of collectors and investors who are eager to own and preserve these rare and historic pieces of technology. The sale is a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage computing and the significant value that collectors are willing to pay for rare and historic items. As the tech industry continues to evolve and new technologies emerge, the Apple-1 serves as a reminder of the incredible impact that computing has had on our lives and our world.

The sale of the Hatfield Apple-1 has significant implications for the tech industry, particularly in the areas of collecting and preservation. As the value of vintage computing items continues to rise, collectors and investors are increasingly looking to institutions and auction houses to authenticate and verify the provenance of these items. This has significant implications for companies like Apple, which are seeking to preserve their legacy and ensure that their historical artifacts are properly cared for and protected.

Several major tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, have established programs to collect and preserve vintage computing artifacts, and the sale of the Hatfield Apple-1 is likely to have a significant impact on these efforts. For example, Apple's "Apple Archives" program, which was established in 2014, aims to preserve the company's historical artifacts and documents, including vintage computers like the Apple-1. The sale of the Hatfield Apple-1 is likely to have significant implications for this program and other similar initiatives.

As the value of vintage computing items continues to rise, researchers and historians are increasingly looking to these items to gain a deeper understanding of the history of computing and the impact that technology has had on our lives. The Hatfield Apple-1 is a significant addition to this collection, providing a unique window into the early days of personal computing and the innovative spirit of Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs.