Apple Founding Document from 1976 Set for Auction
The original Apple Computer Company founding agreement, signed on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne, is set to go under the hammer once again at Christie’s auction house in New York on January 23, 2026.
The historic three-page agreement laid out the initial share distribution of the company: Jobs and Wozniak each held 45%, while Ron Wayne held 10%. This document marks the official birth of a company that today is valued at over $3 trillion.
However, Wayne’s involvement was short-lived. Apple later became a limited company, and within just 12 days, Wayne sold his 10% stake for only $800, plus an additional $1,500 to relinquish all rights.
If Wayne had held on to his shares, their current value would be roughly $60 billion. In a BBC interview, he expressed no regret about leaving Apple, though he did regret selling his copy of the founding document for just $500.
Auction Details
Christie’s has estimated the value of this rare piece at $2–4 million, featuring it in the exhibition “We the People: America at 250”. The event highlights the enduring appeal of early Apple collectibles and the historical impact of the company’s founding era.
For perspective, in 2023, a brand-new, unopened first-generation iPhone was auctioned for $190,000, nearly 300 times its original retail price, demonstrating the continued frenzy for Apple memorabilia.
THIS IS OUR SAY
This three-page agreement is more than just a piece of paper—it’s the origin of one of the most influential companies in tech history. For collectors and tech enthusiasts in the SEA region, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a cornerstone of Apple’s legendary journey.
Origin: Engadget
