Sotheby’s is auctioning a working Apple-1 computer with serial number 01-0033 [1] as part of its upcoming History of Science & Technology sale.

The sale of this specific machine highlights the enduring value of early computing hardware in the global art and collectibles market. Because very few Apple-1 units survive in working condition, such artifacts serve as primary records of the personal computer revolution.

The auction house recently released a video showcasing the functional state of the machine [1]. This Apple-1 is one of several vintage computers included in the broader collection of historical computing artifacts being offered to bidders [1].

According to a summary of the event, the sale is packed with artifacts and collectors’ items [2]. The inclusion of the Apple-1, bearing serial number 01-0033 [1], positions the event as a significant moment for technology historians and private collectors.

Sotheby’s has not yet released the full catalog for the History of Science & Technology sale, but the promotional materials emphasize the rarity of the hardware. The Apple-1 was the first product released by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, and working examples rarely appear at public auction [1].

“The sale is packed with amazing artifacts and collectors’ items”

The appearance of a functional Apple-1 at a major auction house like Sotheby’s underscores the transition of early consumer electronics into high-value historical assets. As the original architects of the personal computer era die or move into different phases of their careers, the provenance and operational status of these machines drive significant price premiums for institutional museums and private equity investors.