The points of issue
Bloomsbury London 1997 hardback (only ~500 copies; ~300 to libraries). Points: full number line '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'; '1 wand' listed twice in the equipment list on p.53; author credited as 'Joanne Rowling' (not J.K.); 'Wizard' / crucially 'Philosopher's' misspelled 'Philosopher's' is correct but the rear cover has the 'Philosopher's' point — verify the p.53 '1 wand' duplication and the print line. Thomas Taylor cover art; copyright page shows '1997' only.
Is this the true first?
Bloomsbury London 1997 hardback is the true first (the most valuable); the first US is Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine New York 1998 as 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.' The first-issue paperback (also 1997) shares the '1 wand'/number-line points and is far more affordable.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions have a number line not beginning '10...1'; the US 'Sorcerer's Stone' is a different title/imprint. Book club and later Bloomsbury printings lack the duplicated '1 wand' and the descending-to-1 number line. Beware facsimile dust jackets on the hardback.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Bloomsbury London 1997 hardback (only ~500 copies; ~300 to libraries). Points: full number line '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'; '1 wand' listed twice in the equipment list on p.53; author credited as 'Joanne Rowling' (not J.K.); 'Wizard' / crucially 'Philosopher's' misspelled 'Philosopher's' is correct but the rear cover has the 'Philosopher's' point — verify the p.53 '1 wand' duplication and the print line. Thomas Taylor cover art; copyright page shows '1997' only.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. Bloomsbury London 1997 hardback is the true first (the most valuable); the first US is Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine New York 1998 as 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.' The first-issue paperback (also 1997) shares the '1 wand'/number-line points and is far more affordable.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions have a number line not beginning '10...1'; the US 'Sorcerer's Stone' is a different title/imprint. Book club and later Bloomsbury printings lack the duplicated '1 wand' and the descending-to-1 number line. Beware facsimile dust jackets on the hardback.
I have a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.