Valuable treasured relics from Apple’s early days.
Finding a genuine piece of computing history feels almost magical, especially when it bears the Apple logo from decades ago. There’s something deeply satisfying about holding a machine that helped shape the personal computing world, its weight and presence reminding you of a time when innovation moved at a different pace. I still get a thrill thinking about the tales these machines carry. This article is a personal journey through nine vintage Apple products that have become holy grails for collectors, offering insight into what makes them so alluring and why enthusiasts are willing to pay astronomical prices to own them.
Whether you’re a longtime Apple fan or someone curious about tech nostalgia, these relics tell stories of ambition, creativity, and risk-taking. From the very first Apple I boards assembled by hand to the iconic iMac G3s that defined colorful computing, each item on this list represents a milestone in Apple’s evolution. Beyond their status as artifacts, these devices capture the spirit of relentless innovation that drove a garage startup to global dominance. Let’s explore what makes these gadgets so coveted and why they continue to captivate collectors around the world and beyond, inspiring future generations of innovators and visionaries.
1. Holding an Apple I board feels like clutching a piece of computing folklore.
Back in 1976, Steve Wozniak hand-assembled roughly 200 Apple I units in his bedroom, while Steve Jobs hustled to sell them through a local computer store, according to the authors at BBC News. Today, fewer than fifty fully functional Apple I systems are known to exist, making each surviving board the ultimate prize for any collector. Its simple wooden case and exposed circuit board may seem humble now, but they represent the revolutionary leap that transformed personal computing forever. The fact that a working Apple I can fetch close to a million dollars at auction speaks volumes about its significance and rarity. Often, collectors will painstakingly track down original documentation, manuals, and even that rare wooden casing to ensure authenticity and completeness.
Whenever I spot a listing for an Apple I chassis, my heart skips a beat because I know it could vanish by the next auction. Learning that a fully operational Apple I sold for nearly a million dollars left me genuinely speechless—even after all these years. Beyond the hefty price tag lies a connection to the very origin of Apple’s journey, a tangible link to the bold entrepreneurial spirit that fueled a technology revolution. Collectors aren’t just buying hardware; they’re preserving a narrative, and each Apple I is a sacred, truly priceless artifact in the story of personal computing.
2. The Apple II proved that home computing could be both powerful and personal.
When the Apple II debuted in 1977, it wasn’t just another kit; it was a fully assembled, ready-to-use machine that introduced countless families to personal computing, as reported by the authors at Computer History. Millions of units rolled off assembly lines, but certain variants—like the ventless “Apple II” and early ROM revisions—remain elusive. These rare models, often sporting unusual case colors or upgraded circuit boards, can command tens of thousands of dollars when they surface in auctions or private sales. Holding one of these early units transports me back to a time when hobbyists first glimpsed the potential of an affordable computer on their kitchen tables.
Despite the enthusiasm for more modern retro gaming consoles and emulators, there’s nothing quite like an original Apple II with its green-on-black text and simple cassette storage. When I visited a retro computing meetup, seeing someone boot up an Apple II after decades out of service felt as exciting as watching a blockbuster premiere. For many collectors, tracking serial numbers, comparing ROM chips, and inspecting the condition of the original keyboard are part of the thrill. While more common II models still sell for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, the early, ventless editions remain the ultimate trophy for retro computing enthusiasts.
3. The Apple Lisa reminds us how expensive innovation can be a decade ahead of its time.
Launched in 1983, the Apple Lisa was Apple’s first attempt at a graphical user interface, featuring a mouse, multitasking abilities, and high-resolution displays, as stated by the authors at Britannica. Its ambitious design came with a staggering $9,995 price tag—so extravagant that sales never took off. Today, however, collectors view the Lisa as a pioneering masterpiece, a glimpse into what personal computing could have become if price had not been a barrier. Complete units, especially those with original Apple projection displays or early software bundles, can sell for anywhere between $30,000 and $100,000 if they’re in good cosmetic and functional condition.
When I first saw a fully assembled Lisa on display at a tech museum, I couldn’t help but marvel at its sleek beige enclosure and chunky peripherals. It felt like discovering a secret artifact from an alternate computing universe. Unlike the more abundant Macintosh, the Lisa’s rarity lies in its combination of cutting-edge features and commercial failure. Many collectors relish the challenge of finding original dual-floppy drives, one-bit displays, and pristine documentation—each piece enhancing the final value. For these enthusiasts, owning a Lisa isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about preserving a bold chapter of tech history that could have rewritten the rules of mainstream computing.
4. Owning an original Macintosh defined a new era of personal computing.
When the Macintosh debuted in 1984, its iconic “1984” Super Bowl commercial and easy-to-use graphical interface changed everything. Unlike the more exotic Lisa, the Macintosh was aimed at a broader audience, introducing millions to point-and-click simplicity. Today, well-preserved original Macintosh units complete with floppy drives and accessories remain hot items among collectors. Working models with all original parts—and especially those with matching serial numbers—can still fetch upward of $1,000, while complete collections with rare peripherals can climb into the tens of thousands of dollars. I remember the thrill of pressing that tiny floppy drive button for the first time, imagining a future filled with desktop publishing and multimedia.
At a retro Apple convention last year, a friend showed me his pristine Mac 128K, still booting from the original System 1.0 floppy. Watching those blocky icons appear on its monochrome screen felt like witnessing a milestone in digital culture. Collectors often seek out rare promotional items, like dealer demos or first-generation metal stands, to complement their machines. While some Macs follow a “restore to museum quality” path, others embrace the charm of faded beige and slight scratches, each imperfection telling a story. For dedicated collectors, an original Macintosh is more than a computer—it’s a symbol of design elegance that reshaped the way we interact with technology.
5. A factory-sealed first-generation iPod is a museum-piece and a ticket to memory lane.
In 2001, the first-generation iPod revolutionized portable music with the famous “1,000 songs in your pocket” slogan. Though millions were sold, finding a factory-sealed example today is almost impossible—and when one does appear, collectors can expect bids between $20,000 and $35,000, depending on the packaging condition and included documentation. Even used but well-preserved units with original packaging and accessories often command hundreds to thousands of dollars. I still recall cradling my very first iPod in 2003, watching the scrolling click wheel for the first time, and believing it would change how I experienced music forever.
Over the years, I’ve chatted with collectors who search eBay listings daily, hoping for a sealed iPod nestled in some forgotten storage closet. The appeal goes beyond the device itself; it’s a tribute to an era when Apple defined sleek minimalism. Some collectors even prize those early FireWire-only docking cables, now as rare as the iPods they once charged. Owning an untouched iPod from 2001 feels like time-traveling to a moment when Steve Jobs unveiled this little white rectangle on stage—a piece of history sealed in plastic, reminding us how portable media forever shifted under Apple’s influence.
6. The original iPhone set the stage for smartphones as we know them today.
When the first iPhone launched in 2007, it wasn’t just a phone—it was a statement that changed the trajectory of mobile technology. With its touchscreen interface, Safari browser, and seamless integration of music, video, and email, it rewrote user expectations overnight. Today, an unopened first-generation iPhone can fetch staggering sums—some have reached $55,000 at auction—while well-kept, used models with complete accessories often sell for a few thousand dollars. I remember the collective gasp when Apple announced it onstage, and even now, holding one still feels like touching a pivotal moment in tech history.
Collectors often debate which packaging variant—original plastic wrap or early promotional stickers—carries more value. Some even prize the rare “edge-to-edge” demo units that never officially shipped but found their way into private collections. At a local collector’s meetup, I once held a pristine black original iPhone next to its earliest dock station, marveling at how slim and simple it appeared compared to modern flagships. For many, this device symbolizes the beginning of the modern smartphone era—a piece of hardware that convinced the world touchscreen was the future, and whose presence in any collection instantly elevates its status.
7. A pristine iMac G3 in a rare color can ignite a flood of nostalgia.
From 1998 to 2003, the iMac G3 broke ground with its translucent, candy-colored enclosures, signaling Apple’s creative resurgence under Steve Jobs. While millions were made, certain colors—like blue-berry, lime, and tangerine—are harder to find in pristine, unmodified condition. A fully functional iMac G3 with its original CRT display, keyboard, and mouse in a rare hue can fetch around $700, while more common colors still command a few hundred dollars. I can’t help but smile when I see one of these machines plugged in at a retro exhibit; its cheerful curves and vibrant plastic seem to capture the playful spirit of late ’90s tech.
At a friend’s house, I once booted an iMac G3 in “graphite” to revisit classic games and early internet browsing via a dial-up modem. The feeling was both vintage and futuristic—like sitting inside a jellybean-shaped time machine. Collectors often inspect the CRT for burn-in, check that the tray-loading CD drive spins smoothly, and verify that the original FireWire ports still work. When you find a flawless iMac G3 in a sought-after color, it’s like stumbling upon a relic from a happier, more experimental era of design—a machine that reminds us Apple dared to be bold when everyone else played it safe.
8. The Apple LaserWriter represents the beginning of affordable desktop publishing.
Introduced in 1985, the Apple LaserWriter was Apple’s first foray into network-capable printers, bundling it with Aldus PageMaker to create a desktop publishing revolution. Its PostScript engine and AppleTalk networking capabilities allowed multiple Macs to print crisp text and graphics, transforming small offices and design studios. Though not as glamorous as Apple computers, the LaserWriter has become a niche collectible: well-preserved, functional units can fetch over $1,200, while rare variants with original manuals and networking cables can climb higher. I vividly recall the first time I printed a laser-etched newsletter on one of these machines; it felt like magic compared to dot-matrix output.
Visiting a local tech museum, I once saw a LaserWriter displayed next to an early Macintosh, emblematic of Apple’s holistic vision for combining hardware and software. Collectors often scour garage sales looking for units untouched since the mid-’80s, complete with dust-covered manuals. If you find a LaserWriter still sporting its original toner cartridge and ribbon, you’ve struck collector’s gold. Holding one feels like a reminder of how Apple didn’t just shape personal computing—they helped launch a revolution in printed media that empowered anyone to create professional-quality documents from their desktop.
9. Memorabilia signed or owned by Steve Jobs blurs the line between gadget and legend.
While vintage hardware certainly holds its own allure, items personally connected to Steve Jobs occupy a unique realm of collectibility. Whether it’s a business card with his signature, a pair of his sandals from a product unveiling, or a concept sketch he handed off to an early employee, these artifacts have sold for anywhere from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands. I remember reading about a signed Jobs photograph fetching six figures at auction, and it struck me how the man himself became as collectible as any machine his company produced. These items serve as direct links to the man whose vision shaped the modern tech world.
Collectors often seek provenance certificates, original letters of ownership, or accompanying photographs that confirm authenticity. The thrill lies not just in owning a gadget, but in possessing something Steve Jobs personally touched or endorsed. I’ve been to conferences where silent auctions offered Jobs-signed prototypes, and the bidding war almost felt like watching history being bought and sold. For fans and historians alike, these memorabilia pieces blur the line between tangible product history and the mythic status of the man himself, preserving a legacy that cable-printed catalogs and screen captures alone can’t convey.