A piece of Apple history is ringing up interest among collectors. A check signed by Steve Jobs himself, dated July 8, 1976, has surfaced for auction. The seemingly mundane document, made out to Pacific Telephone for $201.41, offers a unique glimpse into the fledgling days of the tech giant.
This artifact predates the iconic iPhone by over three decades. It was written just four months after the founding of Apple Computer Company, a time when Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were busy crafting their first product, the Apple-1 computer. The check boasts not only Jobs' signature but also the company's very first official address, a far cry from its current global presence.
The check is currently graded "GEM Mint 10" by PSA/DNA, signifying its pristine condition. This, along with its historical significance, has made it a desirable collector's item. The auction, hosted by RR Auction as part of their "Steve Jobs and the Apple Computer Revolution" collection, is expected to see bids soar. In fact, as of today, the price has already surpassed $15,000.
This isn't the first Steve Jobs-related item to pique collector interest. In December 2023, another check signed by Jobs, for the much smaller sum of $4.01 to RadioShack, went up for auction. Autographed iPads and unopened iPhones gifted by Jobs have also fetched high prices in the past.
The Steve Jobs check serves as a tangible reminder of Apple's humble beginnings. From a small office with a hefty phone bill to a company synonymous with cutting-edge technology, Apple's journey is a testament to innovation and vision. This artifact offers a chance to own a small piece of that story.
The RR Auction closes on March 21, 2024. Whether the gavel falls for a passionate Apple collector or a general history buff, one thing is certain: this signed check is a reminder of the pivotal role Steve Jobs played in shaping the technological landscape we know today.