Two Harry Potter books bought for a fiver each by a mum more than 20 years ago could sell for thousands at auction - after they both turned out to be rare first editions. Tessa Prince, 65, purchased the J K Rowling novels from the same book shop in 1997 and 1998 to encourage both her sons, John and Billy, to read.
The retired school administrator had no idea at the time the copies of the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets were first editions or that their value would soar. It was only when Tessa, from Twickenham, south London, took some jewellery to an auctioneers to be valued recently that she discovered their true worth.
The paperback copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was signed by author J K Rowling and is estimated to be worth £4,000-£6,000. Tessa was stunned to discover the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets novel was also a first edition, which could fetch between £1,000-£1,500.
