A check for $500, signed by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in 1976, recently sold for an astonishing $2.4 million at auction. The sale, conducted by RR Auction in January, underscores the enduring fascination with Apple’s origins and the immense value placed on relics from its early history.
The Check’s Significance
The check, dated March 16, 1976, represents one of the earliest financial transactions that directly contributed to the formation of Apple Computer. It was made out to Howard Cantin, a circuit board designer who played a crucial role in transforming Steve Wozniak’s initial Apple-1 schematic into a commercially viable product. Both Jobs and Wozniak signed the check, solidifying its historical importance.
The check’s value isn’t just monetary; it’s a tangible link to the beginning of one of the most influential companies in modern history.
Auction Results and Collector Intentions
The auction included other valuable Apple memorabilia, including a preproduction Apple-1 prototype which sold for $2.75 million, and an early bank statement for over $828,500. The buyer of the check, who remains anonymous, is reportedly building a museum-quality collection dedicated to Apple’s legacy. RR Auction’s executive vice president, Bobby Livingston, stated that the collector intends to make the collection publicly accessible in the future.
Apple’s Trajectory
Over the past five decades, Apple has evolved from a garage startup into a global technology leader, revolutionizing industries with products like the iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch. The auction highlights the unique confluence of innovation, entrepreneurship, and historical timing that propelled Apple to its current status.
The $500 check stands as a striking symbol of Apple’s humble beginnings and its subsequent meteoric rise. It is a reminder that even the most revolutionary companies start with small steps, often funded by modest checks and a relentless vision.
