A Mother’s Love: Mother Leaves Behind “Harry Potter” First Edition Valued Between £20,000 and £30,000
For most people, losing someone as important as their mother can be one of the most difficult things for a person to endure. As Potter fans, we learned from the book and movie series that a mother’s love is incredibly powerful, regardless of magic. It’s even more wonderful when you have tangible evidence to remind you of that love. While Lily’s love gave Harry special protection, a late mother’s shared love of books with her daughters resulted in an astonishing discovery. About 18 years ago, the mother of four girls purchased a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone that has recently been found to be a rare first edition valued at between £20,000 (27,661 USD) and £30,000 (41,491 USD).
#Staffs mum leaves daughters unexpected Harry Potter windfall – after buying a book for £1 at #Leicestershire school years agohttps://t.co/MUUY4SqdRd@HansonsAuctions @leicslive @BurtonMailNews @BBCDerby pic.twitter.com/CBMcz7p7bY
— Hansons (@HansonsUK) April 3, 2021
The woman was a former Derbyshire, England, teacher with an immense passion for reading. One day, at a school carnival, she came upon a copy of Philosopher’s Stone and purchased it for what is believed to be just £1. Of course, at the time, she likely never expected that it would be such a valuable book. Her daughter reminisced about how she was just a mother and teacher who was trying to pass along her love of books.
Mum has left us a fantastic gift thanks to her passion for books and her determination to encourage us to read. She loved books. There was always one by her bedside. I remember a study in our home being filled floor to ceiling with books. She made us look after them too. We always had to put them away. Consequently, it’s in pretty good condition even though we all read it. She was a teacher through and through and a wonderful mum.
Her daughter speculates that it must have been purchased circa 2003 at Ravenstone County Primary School, in Leicestershire. The book was read by all four sisters before it was eventually left on a bookshelf at their father’s house. It seems dear old dad read a few news stories regarding valuable first-edition copies being auctioned off for high prices and took to the Internet to research the criteria for first editions.
Our book seemed to have all the key first[-]edition issue points. Most importantly, the number on the copyright page must read 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1, and ours did. Dad gave me the book and said, ‘I think it’s time for you to have this; it might be valuable’.
There were only 500 copies in the original print run of the Philosopher’s Stone hardback. Of the original run, 300 were given to schools and libraries, while the remainder went to bookshops to be sold. The copy purchased by the seller’s mother could possibly be one of the 300 hardbacks given to schools back in 1997.
Many years ago, a mother purchased for her daughters a copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” that was recently discovered to be a valuable and rare first edition. (Source: Hansons Auctioneers.)
Their first-edition copy of Philosopher’s Stone was authenticated and evaluated at Hansons Auctioneers. Owner of Hansons Auctioneers Charles Hanson also acknowledged a mother’s love, with a comment on the beautiful story that led to the discovery of this rare find:
A mother’s love lasts forever, and this unexpected gift for her daughters seems heaven[-]sent. The sale of this book is a delightful way to remember a Derbyshire teacher who did everything she could to help her daughters and whose time was cut short far too soon. I’m looking forward to making some magical memories at auction.
Hansons Auctioneers will be auctioning off the first edition at its Harry Potter Hogwarts Auction, which will be held at Bishton Hall in Staffordshire on May 5 at 2:00 p.m. The items are only available to view online, the catalog for which has not yet been provided.
Who knew that a mother’s love of books would bring such fortune to her beloved daughters? It’s a beautiful and heartwarming story. Do you have any items with special memories attached? Perhaps a shared love of something with a lost loved one? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments.
