Rare Working Apple I Computer to Go Under the Hammer

Another piece of Apple history is heading to auction, and this one still works. Bonhams plans to offer the Apple I online from New York between Oct. 4 and 14, with an estimated value of $500,000 to $800,000.

The same computer sold at auction in 2013 for $671,400. Before the sale, Bonhams plans to display it in different parts of the United States from September through October.

Dating from 1976, the Apple I is regarded as one of the notable devices of the 20th century. Steve Wozniak designed and hand-built it after joining the Homebrew Computer Club in 1975, drawing on his experience with the microcomputers available at the time.

The machine stood out because earlier microcomputers generally lacked built-in video output and required substantial technical knowledge and additional components to operate. Many relied on banks of switches or expensive, slow alternatives such as teleprinters. This particular Apple I is also known by the name of electrical engineer Fred Hatfield. Its motherboard is signed by Wozniak, who designed the computer.