The late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was never an extravagant man. Wealthy, yes, but never one to flaunt it. Despite being one of the most influential visionaries of the modern era, Jobs was known for his understated lifestyle and minimalist aesthetic. From keeping his personal life fiercely private to guarding his health issues with utmost discretion and even keeping Apple’s product launches refreshingly simple, Jobs embodied modesty in every sense. This understated approach extended to his public persona; he rarely signed autographs, adding an air of exclusivity to anything bearing his elusive signature.
That rarity has turned any item signed by Jobs into a coveted collector’s treasure, commanding astonishing prices at auctions. Recently, RR Auctions sold a business card signed by the tech legend for an eye-watering $103,000. This wasn’t just any business card, it was a relic from 1983, a time when Apple was beginning to redefine the future of personal computing. Neatly signed in black ink as “steve jobs,” the card carries the iconic Apple rainbow logo, a symbol of the company’s early, colorful innovation era.
What makes this particular item so extraordinary is its scarcity. It’s one of only 15 Apple business cards RR Auctions has sold, and just the second one featuring Jobs’ signature. Of those, only four cards date back to the early 1980s, making this piece an exceptionally rare gem. The off-white card, measuring 3.5 x 2 inches, reads: “Steven Jobs, Chairman Board of Directors,” and lists the company’s address and contact details: “10260 Bandley Drive, Cupertino, California 95014, (408) 996-1010.”
The allure of Jobs-signed memorabilia isn’t just about scarcity, it’s about owning a piece of history tied to a man who redefined technology. Earlier this month, a handwritten letter by Jobs, penned for an ardent fan, was auctioned for a staggering $500,000. Just a few months ago, in September 2024, Christie’s made headlines by auctioning off an Apple-1 computer that had once sat on Jobs’ own desk. This historic machine, a symbol of Apple’s humble beginnings, fetched a remarkable $945,000.
