The $500 Check That Became an Icon
Turning $500 into $2.4 million might sound like a dream reserved for savvy investors, but in this case, the remarkable journey stems from a simple piece of paper. This was no ordinary check; it was signed by tech titans Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and played a pivotal role in the birth of Apple Inc.—one of the most influential companies in technological history.
A Historic Auction
Recently, this iconic check was sold at auction for an astonishing $2,409,886 via RR Auction. The sale took place just a few days ago, showcasing the check’s remarkable provenance. Encased in protective plastic and certified as “MINT 9,” it is a testament to the check’s quality and historical significance, selling for 4,800 times its original value.
The Significance of the First Check
This check is particularly special—it was the first check issued by Jobs and Wozniak during their partnership. At the time, neither Steve was financially flush; in fact, Jobs had to sell his van and Wozniak his prized HP 65 calculator just to gather the $500 needed for their fledgling venture. Remarkably, this transaction occurred only 16 days before the official establishment of Apple Inc., underscoring its critical role in the company’s inception.
Who Received the Check?
The check is made out to Howard Cantin, a designer of printed circuit boards at Atari. Cantin was commissioned to create the essential board for the Apple I computer, which would launch just months later. When it came time for payment, Jobs offered him shares in the company, but Cantin opted for cash. Ironically, he would later learn that those shares could have been worth an astounding $4 billion.
More Treasures from the Auction
While the check took center stage, it wasn’t the only notable item featured in the Apple 50th Anniversary Auction. Other significant items included the document that opened Apple’s first bank account, which fetched $828,569, and an Apple poster that Jobs displayed in his home, which sold for $659,900. The most expensive lot was the prototype for the Apple I board, which reached an impressive $2,750,000. In total, the auction raised over $8 million.
Conclusion
This staggering auction results exemplify how a seemingly insignificant check can morph into a multi-million-dollar artifact over time. The enduring legacy of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, encapsulated in this small piece of paper, tells a larger story about innovation, ambition, and the unforeseen value of entrepreneurship.