Sealed authentic iPhone breaks report with $158,000 value

On the finish of June, one other sealed authentic iPhone got here up for public sale. Nonetheless, this time round, it was a really uncommon mannequin, the 4GB model of the smartphone that was solely produced for a few months. After beginning the public sale with an estimated worth of as much as $100,000, this iPhone has blown previous the world report, promoting for a whopping $158,000.

We’ve seen numerous sealed authentic iPhones go up for public sale within the final 12 months. However after a report was set in February at $63,000, demand and costs died down over the previous couple of months.

As the unique iPhone mania appeared to have peak, one in April went for simply over $18,000 – a $45,000 drop from the February public sale.

Regardless of that, LCG Auctions estimated that the first launch 4GB sealed authentic iPhone would promote for between $50,000-$100,000. Bidding began at $10,000 for the uncommon 4GB mannequin on June 30 and up till yesterday, the best bid was just below $42,000.

However within the ultimate day and hours of the public sale, the demand was intense with bidding leaping from $67,000 all the best way as much as $158,644. That’s 250% greater than the $63,000 February report for the uncommon 4GB authentic iPhone.

And in comparison with the unique $499 value of the 4GB mannequin, that’s roughly a 318x improve in worth during the last 16 years.

Notably, this uncommon iPhone got here from a former Apple engineer that labored on the smartphone. Right here’s how LCG Public sale described the situation of this 4GB sealed authentic iPhone:

Our providing is an exceedingly uncommon, manufacturing unit sealed, first-release 4GB mannequin in distinctive situation. Just about flawless alongside the floor and edges, the manufacturing unit seal is clear with appropriate seam particulars and tightness. Labels on the reverse are accurately pristine beneath the seal. Excellent shade and gloss. Model new, by no means activated. The telephone’s provenance is pristine because the consignor was a part of the unique engineering group at Apple when the iPhone first launched. Collectors and buyers could be laborious pressed to discover a superior instance. Relevance and rarity comprise a profitable system for this red-hot collectible. Mannequin A1203, Order MA501LL/A 4GB)

And it’s certainly the 4GB distinction for this uncommon authentic iPhone that’s made the distinction within the promoting value. Additionally on this lot was one other 8GB sealed authentic iPhone that went for simply $44,771.