$40,326

On of the origional hard cover "Harry Potter and the Philosepher's Stone" was auctioned off the other day for $40,326. The book was from the origional printing in 1997, of 500 copies, and signed "Joanne Rowling."

This is a testament to the success of JK Rowling. Not only has she successfully credited an enterpirse for herself, selling nearly 400 million copies of the various books, but she has stepped into the world of collectables. Diehard fans who can offered to buy rare copies of the Harry Potter series seem more than willing to do it. In May, a copy of "Philosopher's Stone" inscribed with a personal dedication to the owner sold for more than $55,000.

Harry Potter has been translated into at least 64 languages. It has been adapted for all ages, including special childrens versions, and for multiple cultures (an example is the "Philosepher's Stone" of England and the "Sorcerer's Stone" of the US).

Meanwhile my parents threw out my orgional copies of the books, thus making me have to buy them new as a box set. Oh to have the originals back again...of course I doubt I'd get over $40,000, or even $1,000 for that matter, but who knows what will happen with time, I could make $50.