Historic Apple Founding Contract Heads to Auction with Multi-Million Dollar Estimate

The original contract that created Apple Computer Company is going up for sale. Christie’s auction house will offer the historic document in January 2026. This three-page agreement was signed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ron Wayne on April 1, 1976.

The founding papers established the initial ownership shares of the tech giant. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak each received a 45 percent stake. Ron Wayne held a 10 percent share in the nascent company.

Ron Wayne’s Pivotal Withdrawal and Its Staggering Financial Aftermath

The auction lot includes papers showing Wayne’s exit just 12 days later. He withdrew from the partnership due to concerns about the venture’s financial risk. According to Christie’s, Wayne received an initial $800 for his share.

He later accepted an additional payment of $1,500 to fully sever ties. Wayne has since stated the “roller coaster” nature of the business was not for him. His decision is one of the most famous in business history.

The Document’s Journey and Modern Valuation Context

The physical contract has changed hands before. Wayne sold the document for just $500 in the early 1990s. These same founding papers last sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 2011.

That sale fetched nearly $1.6 million for the historic lot. Christie’s now estimates its value between $2 million and $4 million. The upcoming auction highlights the enduring fascination with Apple’s origin story.

The story of Ron Wayne’s departure offers a compelling “what if” scenario. His original 10% stake would be worth hundreds of billions today. This is a theoretical figure, as stock structures have changed dramatically over decades. The auction of the Apple founding contract provides a tangible link to the birth of a tech empire, underscoring the monumental stakes of its humble beginnings.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is being auctioned?

The original 1976 Apple Computer Company partnership contract is being sold. The lot also includes Ron Wayne’s official withdrawal documents from 12 days later.

How much is the Apple contract worth?

Christie’s estimates the value between $2 million and $4 million. The final price will be determined by bidding during the January 2026 auction.

Why did Ron Wayne leave Apple?

Wayne left because he believed the venture was too financially risky. He felt the “roller coaster” ride of a startup was not suited for him at the time.

What would Ron Wayne’s share be worth today?

His initial 10% stake would be valued around $409 billion based on Apple’s current market valuation. This is a theoretical comparison, as the company’s share structure is completely different now.

When was this contract last sold?

The document was last sold at a Sotheby’s auction in December 2011. It fetched a price of nearly $1.6 million at that time.