Buffett’s Signed Book Fetches $100,000 at Auction
Last weekend, Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, turned into a frenzy as shareholders scrambled to buy memorabilia signed by legendary CEO Warren Buffett. The “Oracle of Omaha” saw his autographed items, including copies of Sixty Years of Berkshire Hathaway co-authored with Carrie Soward, auctioned off, with one book fetching a staggering $100,000.
The silent auction, held before and during the meeting, raised over $1.3 million for the Stephen Center, a local Omaha charity providing housing and addiction recovery services. Buffett pledged to match every dollar raised, doubling the impact. Stephen Center CEO Chris Noff lauded Buffett’s generosity, saying, “Words can’t express our gratitude—it’s truly extraordinary.”
The auction unfolded in two phases. Eight signed books were sold online before the event, with the highest bid hitting $100,000. Another ten were auctioned at the “Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains” on Friday and Saturday, drawing over 50 bids, with one book sold for $60,000. Two additional signed copies were reserved for close associates of Buffett’s late partner, Charlie Munger, bringing the total to 20.
The book gained added significance when Buffett, 94, shocked attendees by announcing his year-end retirement as Berkshire’s CEO. Matthew Rodriguez, a 43-year-old housing sector worker, won a $50,000 bid, calling the book “a priceless keepsake for my library.” Another shareholder, 43-year-old investment manager J.G., paid $20,150 after visiting the Stephen Center, vowing to support its mission to aid struggling families.
Funds will renovate the center’s addiction recovery facilities and support a new women’s and children’s shelter, addressing Omaha’s growing homelessness crisis. Unsigned copies of the book also sold briskly, with Buffett noting nearly 8,000 copies purchased during the meeting.
Buffett, a billionaire renowned for philanthropy, has donated to causes like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation since 2006 and co-founded The Giving Pledge, requiring billionaires to donate at least 50% of their wealth. Buffett has committed 99% of his fortune, with detailed plans for its distribution after his death, to be decided by his three children or designated trustees if they cannot agree.
