Another factory-sealed original iPhone hits the auction block

AppleInsider

An ultra-rare 4GB original-release iPhone has been put up for auction, and if sales records hold true, it is poised to bring in over $100,000.

Image Credit: LCG Auctions

LCG Auctions is currently auctioning off another unopened 4GB 2007 iPhone, with the starting bid presently listed at $10,000. The auction is set to wrap up on March 24.

This model is notably rare. Apple discontinued the 4GB model on September 5, 2007, just over two months after its release. Based on previous sales, the auction house believes that it will bring in over $100,000.

In July 2023, an original 2007 iPhone smashed sales records at auction, with a 4G first-release unit still in its factory sealing seemingly selling for over $190,000.

In October, the same model sold for significantly less, but still pulled in $133,435. In that same auction, a 2007 8GB iPhone sealed in the FedEx shipping box sold for $37,663.

Recently, a check signed by Steve Jobs hit the auction block and is currently bid up to $36,100.



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BlueLightning

Wonder how willing an insurance company would be to part with $100k+ after a fire or tornado loss?  Most policies have limits for home contents.  Most safety deposit boxes have similar limits, and may not cover losses of collectables.  I'd be afraid to have something worth this much at home.  Some collectables have lost value after they were purchased.  Imagine a grandchild opening and damaging or misplacing the unit.  

ralphie

BlueLightning said:

Wonder how willing an insurance company would be to part with $100k+ after a fire or tornado loss?  Most policies have limits for home contents.  Most safety deposit boxes have similar limits, and may not cover losses of collectables.  I'd be afraid to have something worth this much at home.  Some collectables have lost value after they were purchased.  Imagine a grandchild opening and damaging or misplacing the unit.  

Most people have a rider to cover things beyond their normal coverage.  You can insure anything for any amount IF you’re willing to pay the premiums.

jdw

The stupidity of the wealthy knows no bounds.  It will either be framed in glass, which is hilarious, or it will be opened, only to have its purchaser proclaim: "Great.  Now what?"

A more sensible wealthy person would dump that 100K into AAPL, then quarterly dividends, then put the proceeds to far better use.  A lot of people have bashed Bill Gates, but at least he put his wealth toward making improvements to the world.  That should be a personal choice, of course, not forced through socialistic taxation.  But the wealthy still should consider Bill Gates lead when it comes to pondering their wealth and its use.  They could still live a very pampered life and help society too if they put some thought into it.

But $100K for a box that gets put behind glass or opened and then shelved is ridiculous.
Ditto Bitcoin.  The silly things people ascribe VALUE to is down right insane at times.

kdupuis77

Haha yeah, I imagine the type of person willing to plunk down $100k on an original iPhone is probably not overly-concerned w/ insurance coverage, and if they are can certainly afford the premiums for it lol. Tis very true though, you can practically ensure ANYTHING if you're willing to pay for it haha.

Appleish

Seriously. I have an original iPhone. Still boots. Some scratches on the body and a dent in the aluminum. Screen is perfect. I have the original box and all of the paper and plastic that protected it, including the shrink-wrap carefully folded within. Charger included. Bonus: I have the special Apple bag they made especially for the launch.

All yours for the low, low price of $50,000. C'mon!