A book lover was shocked to learn that her used Harry Potter books were worth thousands of pounds on Antiques Roadshow.
The beloved BBC antiques show returned to screens on Sunday night (May 22), where experts descended on the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh to value the latest array of goods.
However, one fantasy fanatic was floored when she found out her two paperback Harry Potter books, both signed by author JK Rowling, could be worth a whopping £5,000.
The avid reader brought the first two books in Rowling’s bestselling wizard series, The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets, to be examined by expert Justin Croft.
(Image: BBC)
The books were far from brand new as pages were torn and the front cover of the first book was virtually hanging off, but Justin learned the books had been well read and deeply loved.
Although the first book wasn’t a first edition, it contained a rare message from JK Rowling in a page at the start.
The reader revealed she met the most successful author of all time at a book signing at the Edinburgh Book Festival, who signed both of her Potter books for her.
(Image: BBC)
Of course, such books have since been adapted into a blockbuster film franchise that has grossed over £7billion – making it one of the highest selling of all time.
The sweet message Rowling read: “To Helen, this is the condition I like to see my books in! (Read). JK Rowling”.
Justin was clearly impressed and called it a “brilliant inscription”, adding that if it had been in perfect condition the message wouldn’t have been so unique.
(Image: BBC)
The signing in the second book simply read; “To Helen (again!), JK Rowling”.
He later valued the first book at between £1000 and £1500, and the sequel between £3000 and £35000.
Justin said that although the books were notably damaged, he was going to value them entirely based upon the inscription.
The guest was visibly stunned at the valuation as she looked around her and said: “Wow,” before admitting it was “amazing”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
