I won a free Harry Potter book a decade ago - thanks to a special feature it's now worth thousands

ONE lucky Harry Potter fan has discovered a book from over a decade ago is now worth thousands online.

Carina Haouchine might not have realized it at the time, but the "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" book she won at just 15 years old would end up unlocking her a fortune.

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The book was one of only 15 published specifically for the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter, and it features a signed and dedicated page straight from author J.K. Rowling.

The book was not purchased by Carina as a teenager – instead she won it in a competition from the Bloomsbury publisher.

Only the most compelling writers who could express why they loved Harry Potter best would earn the special signed edition.

Along with her letter, Carina sent in a watercolor portrait of Harry Potter’s main trio and hand-carved a wand, she told FOX Business.

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Carina, who lives in Scotland, said she originally entered the contest with the hopes of earning the top prize – a free trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal.

"I really wanted to enter to win the first prize of a family trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, especially as my little brothers were big Potter fans," she said.

But, now being worth thousands, the book may be the better deal after all.

"It felt amazing to be one of only 15 people chosen — but I have to admit I was also the littlest bit frustrated that I was a runner-up and had just missed out on the first-prize,” Carina said.

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The book was kept in her childhood room for years and then spent most of its life in a storage cabinet in her apartment before a fire nearly took out her home.

"Thankfully nobody was injured … I’m very grateful the book survived," Carina said. 

It was a lucky save indeed as the book’s price in 2023 has climbed to between $8,000 and $13,000, according to book collectors.

Carina plans to finally auction off the book this September, and when she does, she’ll have a lot more spending money for her upcoming wedding.

As for why the book is so expensive, the Philosopher’s Stone copy actually is the rarest edition of the book, Hansons’ Library Auction head Jim Spencer said.

"Until last year, the public had no idea what this book even looked like because there was no visual record of its existence online," Jim said.

In fact, last year another edition of the book went on sale and brought in a whopping $8,000 plus profit.

"The market is flooded with convincing forgeries of Rowling’s signature, so this is a golden opportunity to buy a signed book with absolute confidence in its authenticity," the book expert said. 

Those interested in the iconic novel can bid for the item at Hanson Auctioneer’s Library at Bishton Hall on September 5.

OTHER VALUABLE FINDS

Several others have discovered their vintage items have a secret value that could earn them hundreds if not thousands in an online auction.

One TikToker discovered some golden jewelry at the thrift store for just $1.99.

"Each pin is marked with the carat gold on the back, and they range from $25 to $40," the shopper @retrotoyenvy said.

For another thrifty shopper, an old jewelry box revealed a hidden treasure.

"I went thrift store shopping this weekend. I picked up this jewelry box and as far as I knew it was empty," Regan Michelle (@bubblegumknees) told her followers.

Inside was an unexpected gold ring, and Regan has already said she hopes to find the original owner.

Another Goodwill hunter located a gaming accessory for just $5.49, but a little research revealed the device will actually sell for $750 online.

The specific find was a SpongeBob-themed GameCube accessory, which are generally sold for more than $100 online.

However, some can cost a whopping $750.

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Also at Goodwill, a $50 piece of furniture ended up being worth $2,000 online.

Another thrifter sold a unique camera part for hundreds more than its $45 sale price.