Factory-sealed first-generation iPhone sells for over US$63,000

According to United Press International (UPI), Karen Green, the device's original owner, said she received it as a gift in 2007 and decided to leave it in the box. — LCG Auctions

WASHINGTON: A first-generation iPhone, still unopened and plastic wrapped in the box, was auctioned for more than US$63,000 (RM280,000).

Louisiana-based LCG Auctions said the iPhone, dating from 2007, fetched a high bid of US$63,356.40 (RM281,239) before the auction closed on Sunday.

According to United Press International (UPI), Karen Green, the device's original owner, said she received it as a gift in 2007 and decided to leave it in the box because she had just gotten a new phone and didn't need to replace it.

Green, who operates a tattoo shop in New Jersey, said she became interested in the value of the vintage phone when she heard about another unopened iPhone selling for US$40,000 (RM177,560).

Green took the phone on a 2019 Treasure Hunt segment for the television show Doctor & The Diva, and was told the phone would likely sell for about US$5,000 (RM22,195), it reported.

The estimate turned out to be quite an understatement when the phone, which originally retailed for US$599 (RM2,658), sold for US$63,356.40 (RM281,239). Green said the proceeds will be invested into her tattoo shop. – Bernama