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Christie’s to Auction Apple’s 1976 Founding Contract on Jan. 23, Estimated at $2–$4 Million

The signed papers document the founders’ original stakes, with Ron Wayne’s swift exit framing a potential record for Apple memorabilia.

Overview

  • The single lot pairs the three-page partnership contract with Ron Wayne’s withdrawal agreement in the January 23, 2026 sale.
  • The document bears the signatures of Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne and set the original 45%/45%/10% ownership split.
  • Wayne left 12 days after formation, receiving $800 for his stake and later $1,500, with modern $400 billion comparisons noted as hypothetical.
  • At the time of reporting, the lot had not yet appeared on Christie’s public catalogue despite the announced date and estimate.
  • Comparable items include a nearly $1.6 million Sotheby’s sale in 2011 and Wayne’s early‑1990s $500 copy, with the new estimate suggesting a category record.