New Delhi: A modest cheque issued nearly five decades ago has transformed into one of the most valuable pieces of technology memorabilia ever sold. A 1976 Apple cheque, originally worth just $500 (around ₹42,000) and bearing the signatures of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, has been auctioned for a staggering $2.4 million (about ₹20 crore), underlining the enduring fascination with the origins of Apple.
The cheque is widely described by collectors as Apple’s “birth certificate”, symbolising the company’s earliest financial transaction and the moment a garage startup began its journey to becoming the world’s most influential technology brand.
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Why this cheque is so rare
Dated March 16, 1976, the cheque predates Apple’s formal incorporation by nearly two weeks. It is marked “Cheque No. 1”, indicating the very first payment issued from the company’s initial bank account. Adding to its rarity is the presence of both founders’ signatures—a combination seldom seen, particularly because Steve Jobs was known to avoid giving autographs.
Collectors say these factors make the cheque far more than a financial instrument; it is a tangible record of Apple’s first steps.
A glimpse into Apple’s earliest struggle
The cheque was reportedly issued to Howard Cantin, a designer who helped convert Steve Wozniak’s hand-drawn circuit diagrams into professional circuit boards. At the time, Apple had no factory of its own. Cantin’s work played a key role in the production of the Apple-1, the company’s first computer.
Only 200 Apple-1 units were produced, each priced at $666.66. Surviving units today fetch millions at auctions, further highlighting the historical importance of artefacts from Apple’s formative years.
Record-breaking sale
The auction was conducted by RR Auction, which noted a sharp rise in global demand for early Apple memorabilia. In recent years, items linked to Steve Jobs—ranging from signed business cards to early manuals—have sold for crores, reflecting the almost mythic status of Apple’s founders.
Auctioneers said the cheque’s final price exceeded expectations, driven by intense bidding from collectors and technology history enthusiasts across continents.
More than paper, a piece of history
Experts stress that the cheque’s value lies not in its denomination but in what it represents: the beginning of a company that reshaped personal computing, mobile phones and digital lifestyles worldwide. From a small garage operation to a trillion-dollar corporation, Apple’s story continues to captivate generations.
In that sense, the cheque is not merely a collector’s item—it is a preserved moment from the dawn of the modern tech era, now etched into auction history with a ₹20-crore price tag.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
