If you’re a fan of technology and history, you might be surprised by how much some vintage electronics are worth today. Many old gadgets have become collector’s items, and some have sold for astonishing prices at auctions.
From early computers to iconic smartphones, these items not only hold a special place in tech history but also show how much people value them.
1. Apple I Computer
The Apple I is one of the first personal computers, released in July 1976. Every unit was hand-built by Steve Wozniak, one of Apple’s co-founders.
The Apple I was groundbreaking because it was one of the first computers sold as a fully assembled circuit board, allowing people to easily use it with a keyboard and monitor.
In October 2020, an Apple I was sold at the History of Science auction at Bonhams in New York for an astonishing $905,000. (ref) This price was nearly double what experts predicted.
The Apple I is now considered the most valuable item from the Computer Age, marking a key moment in technology history.
2. Cray-1 Supercomputer
The Cray-1 was a supercomputer developed by Seymour Cray and released in 1976. It was famous for its speed and unique design, which included a distinctive curved shape.
It was used by governments and large corporations for complex calculations, like weather forecasting and scientific simulations.
In 2020, a Cray-1 supercomputer was sold at a Christie’s auction for $1,020,600. (ref) This sale highlights the importance of the Cray-1 in the history of computing and its role in advancing technology.
3. iPod 4th Generation U2 Edition
The iPod 4th Generation U2 Edition was launched in 2004 to celebrate U2’s album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. This special edition was the first of four U2-themed iPods released by Apple between 2004 and 2006. (ref)
In 2022, a factory-sealed U2 iPod was sold for an impressive $90,000. (ref) The U2 iPod featured a sleek black design with the band’s logo and had the ability to store thousands of songs.
4. Nintendo PlayStation
The Nintendo PlayStation is a legendary gaming prototype created in the early 1990s from a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony. However, the partnership ended, and the console was never released.
In early 2020, an auction for this rare device ended with a winning bid of $300,000, which, with buyer’s fees, totaled $360,000. (ref) The bidding was so competitive that even Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus, participated.(ref)
5. Atari CX3000 Graduate Computer Keyboard Prototype
The Atari CX3000 Graduate is a super rare prototype keyboard created in the early 1980s. It was designed as an add-on for the Atari 2600 Video Computer System (VCS).
In 2022, this one-of-a-kind prototype sold for $61,141, including buyer’s fees.(ref)
This 57-button keyboard was meant to connect to the front of the Atari 2600, turning the video game console into a personal computer for under $90. However, the CX3000 was never released to the public, making it a rare piece of gaming history.
6. Kenbak-1
The Kenbak-1 is often credited as one of the first personal computers, created in 1971 by John Blankenbaker. It was designed for education and hobbyists, featuring simple programming capabilities.
The Kenbak-1 had a small memory of just 1 kilobyte and used a series of lights and switches for input and output. In September 2024, a Kenbak-1 was sold at a Christie’s auction for a staggering $119,700.
This sale marks the highest price ever for this device. (ref)
7. 4GB Launch Model iPhone
The original iPhone was launched by Apple in June 2007, changing the smartphone market forever. In 2023, a factory-sealed 4GB launch model iPhone sold for an impressive $190,372.80 at auction. (ref)
The 4GB launch model introduced features like a touchscreen interface, mobile internet, and access to the iTunes Store. Although it was eventually replaced by newer models, the first iPhone has become a collector’s item.
The world of vintage electronics is filled with amazing stories and valuable items that many people treasure. The high prices at auctions show just how much collectors appreciate these pieces of technology.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
