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Prediction: By 2017, it will be worth $1,500.


Hmm. Sounds pretty optimistic. The original 5GB iPod from 2001 is starting to see an upturn in value, likely due to Steve Jobs' passing, but it seems to be capping out at under $1000, in the box with all accessories. That's basically 200% of the original cost over 10 years, or 20%/year. At that rate, you would be looking at $1000 in 2017, if collectors attach as much importance to the first iPhone as they did to the first iPod. One could argue that the first iPod was more of an historical turning point for Apple.
 
It should increase in value, but it depends on how rare it is and the actual demand for it.

The sealed copy of Stadium Events for the NES sold for $41K because how rare it was. Anything made under 1,000 can draw demand. I don't think the iPhone 2G is really that rare especially with the expansion of hobby collecting and auction sites. The iPhone 2G sold millions and millions. The problem with cell phones is it lacks the "retro" hobbyists like the retro gamers in video games. Cell phones keep evolving. Nobody looks back to the past. Nobody is running out to buy Motorola Startac phones from over a decade ago. Our phones just end up getting recycled. People want the latest and greatest in the cell phone market.

But keep it anyway. It will take some time. Just don't expect tens of thousands. Remember, its actual value is only worth what the buyer is willing to pay you.

Yes true, millions of them were made
Millions were also openend, dropped, broken, thrown away, etc.
Theres probably not that many sealed iPhone 2G's anymore
 
An 2G iphone is not that rare.. Millions sold, and you will have to contend with all the retailers, resellers or whoever.. That could have old new stock that happens to resurface in the near future, and potentially kill the market...

Only reason why the first apple computers are rare, because they were part of an exchange program for the apple 2. And then destroyed, so many aren't around anymore..
 
I'd say keep it, but get advice on the battery. If the battery leaks/corrodes/explodes before you come to sell it you might have a worthless lump of chemical mess in a sealed box.

Even if none of that happens, the battery might die over time - I have an old macbook that was left in a drawer unused for over a year, and the battery was dead (after just 23 charges, they normally last over 500!) Apparently they slowly drain their power, and if they get "too empty" they become dangerous to charge, so they automatically shut down. For good.
 
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He sold it on eBay for 745 check the posts and you'll see
 
He sold it on eBay for 745 check the posts and you'll see

Last post by the thread starter:

Hey, so I decided to see how this ol' thread was doing. I still have the phone. This thread can serve as an historical reference.

Let's see who will be right about the future value of this phone. I'm young so I can hold out for a long time.

Prediction: By 2017, it will be worth $1,500.
 
actually don't listen to these guys in the thread saying "sell it"

because if it is actually sealed and in good condition, then yes far down the road you will have one hell of a collector's item.

keep it man, seriously, that maybe your retirement fund in 30 years when its worth over a million dollars (in today's money).
 
You gotta keep it 10-20 years before it will really start gaining value.

Sealed in box also helps the value. Like some others said, a collector will most likely keep it sealed in the package
 
Sell it to one of those clowns that do those retarded drop tests. Antique iPhone drop test will be hyuge on youtube.
 
So I still got the ol' phone locked up in a bank. I think presently it's worth more than my earlier prediction of $1,500.
 
I can certainly see why, but I'm curious as to how you put value to it. It's only worth as much as somebody will pay for it. I think it's smart of you to hang on to it though.
 
Hey, I have one of the first manufactured iPhone 2G 8GBs still sealed, brand new, in box. Do you think it will increase in value massively over the years?

I'm just wondering if I should hold on to it or not. Thanks!

It'll deteriorate in price for a while, but in the very far future, I bet it would garner a lot of money, I mean FAR future, like 20-30+ years future.
 
What happens when its finally open it and find out the battery corroded the phone.
 
So I still got the ol' phone locked up in a bank. I think presently it's worth more than my earlier prediction of $1,500.

I'll give you $100 for it, seriously I will. It's only worth what I'm willing to pay.

$100, take it or leave it!
 
I do not think the value would increase since millions of it has been manufactured. So that being said you are not the only one who would have it. Check on eBay a lot are sold and not that expensive.

If your looking for the money sell it now or just keep it as a collection for your own self.
 
I have two of every iPhone (up-to iPhone 5) in my collection shrink wrapped. I'll probably buy one of every 5c colour and a few iPhone 5ses after the turn of the year. I'm pretty sure this is a collection that would already yield a very nice return on the investment, but I have no intention of selling for at least a decade.

I've also been doing the same with iPads although I'm only buying one of each of those models.

I believe the iPhones will be the most sought after collectors item in time by far.

We'll see though past performance of vintage Apple products is no guarantee of a repeat in the future.

I've been doing this instead of buying new Macs every year. :D Right now I'm sat behind a 2009 iMac and I have a 2010 MacBook Air. Oh yeah, and my daily use iPhone is still a 4s!
 
So I still got the ol' phone locked up in a bank. I think presently it's worth more than my earlier prediction of $1,500.

Its not remotely close to being worth that. They can ask what they want on eBay but nobody is buying them for that. I sold my pristine shape 2G last year for $125 and i had the box and everything that came with it.
 
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I think it would be worth more if you could still use them for the att unlimited data loophole.
 
The key here is how RARE it was and the actual demand for it.

Since the OP has this iPhone factory sealed, that is the best way to start because MOST people will open the box.

Here is some perspective -

FIRST GENERATION IPOD (5GB) (INTRODUCED IN 2001)

It was first priced at $399! Wow, for a 5GB? Now it can be sold for $200 more brand new 9 years later.

The iPhone reminds me of the basketball cards and baseball cards I collected back in the day. After 15-20 years later, many of my cards hasn't really increased in value because those cards weren't "limited editions" to begin with. Some actually got worse in value. I am talking about the biggest names here like Michael Jordan. It really all depends in how rare it is and how much people are desperate to pay for it. The cell phone users aren't about nostalgia like gamers who can spend at least 5 YEARS with a video game console. Cell phone market is more fickle and always about moving forward...

it took Apple I about ..... 35 years for the value to appreciate to $380k.

What do you expect from a 9 year old tech?
 
I have two of every iPhone (up-to iPhone 5) in my collection shrink wrapped. I'll probably buy one of every 5c colour and a few iPhone 5ses after the turn of the year. I'm pretty sure this is a collection that would already yield a very nice return on the investment, but I have no intention of selling for at least a decade.

I've also been doing the same with iPads although I'm only buying one of each of those models.

I believe the iPhones will be the most sought after collectors item in time by far.

We'll see though past performance of vintage Apple products is no guarantee of a repeat in the future.

I've been doing this instead of buying new Macs every year. :D Right now I'm sat behind a 2009 iMac and I have a 2010 MacBook Air. Oh yeah, and my daily use iPhone is still a 4s!

Wow, you sure have quite the disposable income.
 
Its not remotely close to being worth that. They can ask what they want on eBay but nobody is buying them for that. I sold my pristine shape 2G last year for $125 and i had the box and everything that came with it.

Not saying his phone is or isn't worth the $1500, but your OPENED phone no matter how pristine won't fetch nearly the same amount as an UNOPENED device. That's the collectors market. Sealed, new in box is where the big money is with most items. An opened phone, even in great shape, is nothing special.
 
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