First edition hardback copies of the Harry Potter series are treasured finds for collectors, and a complete signed set of all seven volumes is truly magical. Heritage Auctions is currently presenting exactly that in an ongoing sale, with bidding already soaring past $100,000.
This exceptional set features the scarce Hardback Issue of the First Printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, one of only 500 copies produced. In addition, three of the seven books bear the front cover signatures of their respective illustrators.
The earliest editions of Philosopher’s Stone can be identified by several distinct markers: the presence of the Bloomsbury publisher’s name at the bottom of the title page; a copyright page print line reading “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1”; and the famous “1 wand” error in the Hogwarts school supplies list on page 53.
Among the illustrator-signed volumes are Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, with a front cover signature from Giles Greenfield; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, signed on the front cover by Jason Cockcroft; and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, also signed on the front cover by Cockcroft. The lot also includes a cache of provenance material and printed memorabilia from the books’ acquisition and signing events – such as promotional flyers, event passes, information sheets, and branded paper bags.
Adding to the auction’s magic is the only officially commissioned replica of the original front cover illustration ever painted by Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’s original artist, Thomas Taylor. The original cover art, created in 1997 for the book’s first release, achieved a staggering $1.92 million at auction in 2024.
Taylor produced the replica in 2001 for a collector who had missed acquiring the original when it sold at auction that year. The current bidding for this replica has already reached $50,000. The artwork comes with a handwritten declaration from Taylor himself: “I consider this the only replica I shall ever paint.”
Rendered in pencil and watercolour on watercolour paper, the piece measures 18¾ x 13½ inches, and is titled, signed, and dated by Taylor along the lower border: Replica of the front cover art for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone / Thomas Taylor 2001. The reverse is inscribed in black ink: “Commissioned by Dr Mike Wain. Painted by Thomas Taylor 2001. Replica of the cover art of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
The illustration captures the young wizard’s iconic first journey to Hogwarts – lightning-bolt scar gleaming as Harry approaches Platform 9¾. Draped in a Gryffindor scarf billowing in the wind, he stands as the Hogwarts Express arrives in a swirl of smoke and stars. This image, the first ever visual portrayal of Harry Potter, remains one of the most recognisable in the franchise’s history and is celebrated with a permanent photo spot at London’s King’s Cross station.
“This is an extraordinary collection,” said Sara Balbi, Managing Director of Heritage Auctions’ UK office. “Individual first editions from the Harry Potter series make headlines when they appear for sale – but here we have the complete set, all signed, some with illustrator autographs, paired with the only cover art replica by the original artist. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity.”
The auction runs from July 16th to 18th, with online bidding now open.
Images courtesy of Heritage Auctions