Harry Potter first edition bought for a penny is worth over £2K

A Harry Potter first edition book, signed by JK Rowling, was bought for only a penny and has been sold at auction for over £2K.

Mark Cavoto had bought the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 1998 without realising the hardback was signed by JK Rowling, only discovering the autograph when it arrived.

The Derbyshire businessman owns over 1,500 Harry Potter books which he buys and sells. He took the book to auctioneers Hansons where a private international buyer bought it after a phone and online bidders’ battle.

The book sold for £2,300 in early December.

Auctioneer Jim Spencer warned readers about getting too excited about their book being worth money- even with a signature from the author. He told the BBC he receives over 50 emails a day from people who think their book is worth money.

Books worth taking to auction are usually first editions, sometimes hardback, signed by the author, and in great condition. A dust jacket, no matter the condition, could make or break a valuation- if it is missing then the seller could lose up to 50% of the value!

Keep an eye out!