Apple Founding Documents Sold for $1.6 Million at Auction

Apple‘s original founding documents from 1976 sold for $1.59 million at an auction on Tuesday.

Originally estimated at $100,000 to $150,000, the papers were bought by Eduardo Cisneros, chief executive officer of Cisneros Corporation, for 10times as much – $1,594,500.

“Very happy to own a piece of American (World) history,” tweeted Cisneros after the purchase.

The papers include the founding documents for Apple Computer Company signed by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, as well as a statement of withdrawal by Ronald Wayne, with which he relinquished his 10% stake in the company for a mere $800.



1. Apple Founding Documents
A piece of American corporate history, these documents made headlines when it was announced they were to be auctioned at Sotheby's New York.

Boasting the signatures of "Stephen G. Wozniak", "Steven P. Jobs", "Ronald G. Wayne," the collection consists of the Apple Computer Company Partnership Agreement from 1976, an amendment document and Wayne's official "Statement of Withdrawal."

With an estimated high of $150,000, they actually sold for an astonishing $1,350,000 (nearly $1.6 million with taxes) -- showing just how much people are prepared to pay to own some of Apple's heritage.

2. First Trade Sign
Described as a "true icon of American industry," this was the very first sign made to promote the then-start-up Apple Computer at trade fairs in 1976.

Later put up outside the company's first Cupertino headquarters, it was saved for posterity -- and from the dumpster -- by an early Apple employee -- facilities engineer M. Thomas Liggett, Jr.

It sold in 2008 for $18,000.

3. Apple I
If you bought an Apple I (the company's first computer) at launch in 1976, it would have set you back $666.66.

A private collector from Italy paid $212,200 for such a model in late 2010.

Although obselete in computing terms, as one of around only 200 Apple Is ever made, the handmade machine boasts great historical value.

4. Steve Wozniak's Toolbox
Billed by the auction house as "the toolbox that built Apple Computer," this unassuming blue metal box belonged to Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in the late Seventies.

Gifted to Apple employee M. Thomas Liggett, Jr, it exceeded its $3,000 to $5,000 estimate, selling for $7,000 in 2008.

5. Andy Warhol Silk Screen Apple Logo
From Andy Warhol's "ADS" portfolio, this signed silk screen color print from the mid-Eighties depicts Apple's classic rainbow logo. It was commissioned by then Apple exec Del Yocam.

With interest from Warhol collectors and Apple fans, this sold for $26,000 in 2009.