The Price of a Worthless Check: 50,000 Euros and Two Signatures

In an era where digital transactions and cryptocurrencies are booming, it may seem absurd that a piece of paper could fetch a price of 50,000 euros at an auction. However, this is no ordinary paper; it is the second check ever issued by Apple, signed by two visionaries who made a profound impact on the history of technology: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

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A Silicon Valley Relic

When we think of Apple, the first things that come to mind are the upcoming iPhone 15, the sleek MacBooks, and the modernity of their stores around the world. However, every giant has humble beginnings, and Apple is no exception. This is evidenced by the ongoing auction at RR Auction, which, at the time of writing, has 18 bids and has reached $55,527.

The check, dated March 19, 1976, for the amount of $116.97, was issued to Ramlor, Inc., a company involved in the production of printed circuit boards in Palo Alto. Given the date and the recipient of the money, this transaction is no ordinary purchase. It most likely represents the payment for the circuit boards destined for the first Apple-1 computers that Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were working on, both of whom signed the document.

The initial vision behind the Apple-1 was to offer a circuit board kit that the end user would assemble, following the tradition of hobbyist computer kits of that time. However, this vision changed after meeting with Paul Terrell, the owner of The Byte Shop in Mountain View, California, one of the first personal computer stores in the world.

Although the check is marked with the number “2,” it predates the official founding of Apple Computer, Inc. Just thirteen days after the check’s date, on April 1, 1976, Jobs, Wozniak, and their third partner, Ronald Wayne, signed the partnership agreement that would officially give life to Apple Computer. This agreement stipulated that any expense over $100 would require the approval of at least two of the partners, which likely explains why both Jobs and Wozniak put their signatures on the document.

An Investment in History, not in Technology

For any collector or technology history enthusiast, owning such a symbolic item holds immense value. While the nominal value of the check is less than $120, its historical significance is priceless. It represents a tangible testament to the early steps of a company that has grown to become one of the most powerful and revolutionary in the world.

Due to this, the initial expectation was that this check would reach 50,000 euros in the auction. Being one of the standout pieces in a collection of over 50 rare Apple items put up for sale by RR Auction, its success seems guaranteed. Currently, the bidding has reached $55,527, and the next bid will raise it to an impressive $61,080.

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Absolutely, the world has changed immensely since that check was issued in 1976. However, the names “Steve Jobs” and “Steve Wozniak” still resonate with unmatched power and influence. For many, holding such an integral piece of Apple’s history in their hands is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In certain contexts, a “worthless” check can indeed have immeasurable value. It’s the magic of legacy and history that transforms ordinary objects into coveted treasures. And in this case, that magic bears the signature of two of the most brilliant minds of our time.

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