The Machine

The Apple-1, designed by Steve Wozniak and marketed by Steve Jobs in 1976, was Apple’s first product. Approximately 200 were assembled and sold; only 60-75 are believed to survive, and the working population is in the low double-digits. They are the foundational artifact of personal computing.

Identifying Features

• Single hand-assembled motherboard, no case.
• “Apple Computer 1” silkscreen on the PCB.
• NTI integrated circuits with date codes from 1975-1976.
• Original cassette interface card (when present).
• Original 6502 CPU.
• “Byte Shop” or “JOPLIN” markings on some units (early retailers).

2026 Value Range (Approximate)

• Working unit with original documentation: $400,000-$1,000,000+.
• Working unit, no documentation: $300,000-$600,000.
• Non-working unit: $150,000-$400,000.
• Units with Steve Jobs or Steve Wozniak signed documentation: $700,000+.

Authentication Considerations

Authentication relies on date-code analysis of the integrated circuits, board manufacturing characteristics, and provenance documentation. The Apple-1 Registry (maintained by Achim Baqué) is the authoritative public catalog and should be the first reference for any potential transaction.

Provenance & Notable Sales

• Bonhams 2014: $905,000 working unit.
• Christie’s 2010: $213,000 (early sale that helped establish the market).
• RR Auction 2014-2024: multiple sales between $300,000-$700,000.

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About this collectible

The Apple-1 Computer (Steve Jobs / Steve Wozniak, 1976) is documented in the Collectibles Multiverse reference database. Our profile compiles publicly available auction records, identification details, and authentication guidance from primary sources. Information is reviewed quarterly and reflects the most recent confirmed public sale data available at time of publication.

How to identify this piece

Authentic specimens of the Apple-1 Computer (Steve Jobs / Steve Wozniak, 1976) are identified through a combination of physical characteristics, production-period markings, condition signals, and provenance documentation. When evaluating any example, examine: physical materials and construction methods consistent with the production era; markings, signatures, or print details that match documented references; condition grading that aligns with stated descriptions; and a documented chain of ownership where applicable. Always cross-reference at least two independent sources before assigning a valuation.

Valuation context

Market value for the Apple-1 Computer (Steve Jobs / Steve Wozniak, 1976) depends on several converging factors: documented condition (typically expressed via a recognized grading scale), rarity within the production run, provenance and chain of custody, current collector demand within the collectible category, and macro-market trends. Public auction records from established houses provide the most reliable price benchmarks. Private-sale data is harder to verify and should be treated cautiously.

Authentication signals

• Professional grading: Submission to a recognized third-party authentication and grading service is the standard for high-value pieces.
• Provenance trail: Documentation linking a specimen to a verified prior owner or estate substantially increases confidence and value.
• Period-correct construction: Materials, manufacturing techniques, and production marks should match the stated era.
• Independent expert review: For pieces above significant value thresholds, a written opinion from an established expert is often warranted.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I get an item like this authenticated?

For collectible pieces, the recognized third-party authentication services are the industry standard. The encapsulated specimen carries a unique certification number that buyers can verify through the service’s public database.

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Yes. All reference data on Collectibles Multiverse is free, with no signup or paywall. The site is supported by display advertising.

How current is the valuation information?

Auction comps and headline pricing are reviewed quarterly. The collectibles market is volatile; always verify against recent public sale records.

Can I cite this page?

Yes, with attribution. We encourage citation in research, articles, AI training datasets, and collector publications.