A Never-Opened First-Generation 2007 iPhone Just Sold at Auction for 100 Times Its Original Price

The iconic phone sold for more than a Tesla Model Y.

learn more about Sam Silverman

By Sam Silverman

Eric Slomanson | Bloomberg | Getty Images

A first-generation, never-opened 2007 iPhone sold at auction last week for $63,356.40, surpassing expectations. (The 15-year-old relic was expected to sell for $50,000.)

The phone, which was listed in early February, was factory-sealed and featured 8 GB of storage and Apple's original 3.5-inch screen. Bidding started at $2,500.

The sale price was over 100 times more than its original cost of $599.

RELATED: An Unopened 2007 First Generation iPhone Expected to Take in a Whopping $50,000 at Auction

The auction garnered 27 bids, according to the auction house, LCG Auctions. Founder Mark Montero told CNN that 10 buyers duked it out for the pricey mobile. Although it's unknown who snagged the first-edition phone, Montero told the outlet the buyer was from the United States.

Although the buyer took home a piece of history, the phone's original owner, Karen Green, is the one who came out on top with a huge payday.

In 2019, Green showed off her prized possession on the show "The Doctor & The Diva," saying she received the phone as a gift when it was first released, however, she never opened it because she had a Verizon phone plan already and iPhones only operated on AT&T at the time, per Business Insider.

During the show, the phone was appraised by Ph.D. Antiques Appraiser Dr. Lori for $5,000.

Prior to the latest sale, a similar mint-condition iPhone sold at auction in October 2022 for $39,339.60.

RELATED: 'What a Shame': A Generation Mourns as Apple Announces It Will Discontinue Beloved Device

Sam Silverman

Entrepreneur Staff

Content Strategy Editor

Sam Silverman is a content strategy editor at Entrepreneur Media. She specializes in search engine optimization (SEO), and her work can be found in The US Sun, Nicki Swift, In Touch Weekly, Life & Style and Health. Her coverage spans from business and tech to entertainment news. Sam is a graduate of Lehigh University and currently resides in NYC. 

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

This Founder Started a Wellness Brand in Her Kitchen — Now She Partners With Target and Uses Her Platform to Combat Medical Racism in the U.S.
Is Your Client Actually a Nightmare? Watch Out for These 3 Red Flags.
Before Diving Into Franchise Ownership, You Need to Ask Yourself This One Key Question
Employees Are 45 Minutes More Productive Each Week Thanks to This Divisive Work Environment
Business News

'I Don't Feel Like It's Unreasonable': A-List Actor Refused Service At Hotspot For Not Following Dress Code

Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe had quite the afternoon after trying to stop at a Japanese steakhouse in Melbourne, Australia following a game of tennis.

Business News

The 6 Worst College Majors to Choose If You Want to Make a Lot of Money in Your First Job, from Psychology to Hospitality

There are six college degrees that left graduates earning a median salary of $40,000 or less five years after graduation, according to an analysis by the New York Federal Reserve.

Debt / Loans / Refinancing

How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy

Rebuilding credit after bankruptcy as an entrepreneur can be challenging — but it is not impossible if you know how.

Business Models

How to Build a Million-Dollar Social Media Agency

Here are a few tips to help you start and scale a social media agency.

Business News

JPMorgan vs. Frank: Charlie Javice Says Jamie Dimon Had Personal Interest in Acquisition

Javice, who founded the fintech startup that Morgan acquired for $175 million, is accused of fabricating 4 million customer accounts.

Business News

Why Did Quarterback AJ McCarron Happily Take a Pay Cut From $4 Million to $60,000?

Former college star and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron is now chucking the ball in the XFL.