Apple Founding Document Set for Auction with High Valuation

The original founding document of Apple Computer Company, signed in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne, is set to be auctioned by Christie's on January 23, 2026. This three-page agreement, which established the company’s initial ownership stakes—45% for Jobs, 45% for Wozniak, and 10% for Wayne—is expected to fetch between $2 million and $4 million, potentially making it the most expensive Apple collectible ever sold.

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The founding agreement was created on April 1, 1976, but Wayne withdrew his support just 12 days later, selling his 10% stake for $800. This decision is often cited as one of the worst business decisions in history, as that stake would be worth approximately $400 billion today. Wayne later received an additional $1,500 for relinquishing his remaining interests in the company. The document being auctioned includes both the founding agreement and Wayne's withdrawal agreement.

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The auction is part of Christie's "We the People: America at 250" event and highlights the enduring value of historical documents related to major corporations. Previous auctions of Apple memorabilia have seen significant sales, including an unopened first-generation iPhone that sold for $190,000 in 2023. The upcoming auction is anticipated to attract considerable interest from collectors and investors alike.

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While the auction is expected to generate excitement, some critics argue that the commodification of historical documents can detract from their cultural significance. The high valuation raises questions about the accessibility of such artifacts to the public, as they become increasingly reserved for wealthy collectors.

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Christie's has not yet listed the document on its website but has confirmed its inclusion in the upcoming auction. The auction house emphasized the document's symbolic value, noting that founding contracts of major companies like Apple carry significant emotional and historical weight.

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There are no significant discrepancies reported regarding the auction details or the document's valuation. However, the exact final sale price remains uncertain until the auction occurs. Previous sales of similar documents have varied widely, indicating that the final outcome could depend on bidder interest.

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• “If he had held on to his stake, it would be today worth $400 billion.” — Source not specified

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• “Wayne famously got cold feet after realizing he was the only one of the three who had any assets at the time, and therefore might hold all the liability if the company failed.” — Source not specified

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• “Christie's expects to sell Apple's founding partnership contract for between $2 million and $4 million Founding contracts have a potent symbolic value, especially when they pertain to global behemoths such as Apple.” — Source not specified

Apple's 'Birth Certificate' Set To Fetch Millions At Christie's Auction

The auction of Apple's founding document not only represents a significant financial opportunity but also serves as a reminder of the company's storied history and the pivotal decisions that shaped its trajectory.

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