An original Apple-1 personal computer, signed by co-founder Steve Wozniak, is one of the most coveted artefacts of the personal-computing era. Roughly 200 units were assembled in 1976; fewer than 70 are known to survive, and about 20 are believed to be in working order. Signed examples have sold at Christie’s, Bonhams and RR Auction for $375,000 to over $1 million.

Why the Apple-1 matters

The Apple-1 is the foundation of Apple Inc. Designed entirely by Steve Wozniak and hand-soldered by Wozniak and Steve Jobs in the Jobs family garage, it was Apple’s first product. Sold as a bare board ($666.66) without keyboard, monitor, case or power supply, it was nevertheless the first personal computer to ship pre-assembled — buyers no longer had to solder dozens of chips. Every Mac, iPhone and iPad descends directly from this single board.

How to authenticate

Genuine Apple-1 boards show a small “Apple Computer 1” silkscreen along the top edge, hand-stamped serial numbers (typically two- or three-digit), and characteristic 1976 component date codes on the chips. Wozniak’s hand-painted logos and corrections appear on certain early boards. Wozniak personally authenticates and signs surviving boards on request — his signature, in silver Sharpie, is the strongest authentication possible. The Apple-1 Registry, maintained by Mike Willegal, is the definitive online record of every documented surviving unit.

Grading and value

Working condition is the major value driver. A working, signed, complete-with-period-accessories example commands $750,000–$1.5 million. Working but unsigned: $400,000–$700,000. Non-working with a complete board and provenance: $150,000–$350,000. Heritage, Bonhams, Christie’s and RR Auction all handle Apple-1 sales. Provenance to early Apple history (Byte Shop, Computer Faire, Homebrew Computer Club members) adds significant value.

Where to see one

The Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California has multiple Apple-1 boards on permanent display, including a working unit demonstrated regularly. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the Henry Ford Museum, the Living Computers Museum (Seattle, currently closed) and the Apple Park visitor centre all hold Apple-1 examples.

For families and beginners

Apple-1 replica kits — produced by Briel Computers, Ben Heck and several open-source projects — are available for $200–$600 and provide a working, period-accurate experience without the historical risk. Wozniak’s autobiography iWoz and the documentary Triumph of the Nerds are wonderful family viewing for older children interested in technology history.

Care and storage

1976 electronics are fragile. Store boards in anti-static foam-lined cases at moderate humidity (40–50% RH). Avoid powering on without a thorough recapping by a specialist — the original electrolytic capacitors are well past their service life and can fail destructively. The Apple-1 forum at applefritter.com hosts active discussion of preservation and restoration.

Read next

Continue with other foundational machines: the Altair 8800 (1975), IMSAI 8080, original IBM PC (1981) and Commodore PET (1977).

About This collectible

The Apple-1 Computer (Signed by Wozniak) is a notable entry in the collectible category. Whether you are a seasoned collector or evaluating your first piece, understanding provenance, condition, and market context is essential for confident decisions. This guide summarizes what makes this item collectible and how to evaluate examples in the market.

Identification & Authentication

Authenticating a Apple-1 Computer (Signed by Wozniak) requires attention to period-correct materials, manufacturing marks, signatures, and chain of custody documentation. Where third-party authentication exists (PSA, JSA, Beckett, SGC, PCGS, NGC, or category-specific authenticators), graded examples carry significant premium over raw pieces. Consult a recognized authenticator before high-value purchases.

Valuation & Market Pricing

Values for the Apple-1 Computer (Signed by Wozniak) vary by condition, provenance, completeness, and demand. Track recent sold prices on major venues including Heritage Auctions, Goldin, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and eBay completed listings to benchmark fair market value. Realized sales reflect true value; asking prices do not.

Condition & Grading

Condition is the largest variable affecting value. Use the grading scale appropriate to the category and document defects honestly. For graded items, verify certification numbers on the grader’s website. For raw items, photograph all surfaces under neutral lighting and disclose any restoration or imperfections.

Where to Buy & Sell

Reputable venues include major auction houses, established dealer networks, specialty shows, and vetted online marketplaces. Avoid private cash transactions with unknown parties for high-value pieces. Use buyer protection or escrow when transacting at scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Apple-1 Computer (Signed by Wozniak) is authentic?

Authenticity is best confirmed by a recognized third-party authenticator. Visual inspection alone is rarely sufficient for high-value pieces.

What is a Apple-1 Computer (Signed by Wozniak) worth?

Value depends on condition, provenance, and completeness. Check recent sold prices on major auction venues for comparable examples.

Where should I sell my Apple-1 Computer (Signed by Wozniak)?

For high-value pieces, established auction houses with category expertise typically deliver the best results. For mid-market items, vetted online marketplaces or dealer networks balance reach and fees.

Does grading add value?

For most categories, third-party grading adds meaningful value to top-condition examples. For lower-grade pieces, the grading fee can exceed the value uplift.