The $100,000 Eraser: The Pencil Patent of 1858
On March 30, 1858, Philadelphia stationer Hymen Lipman patented the first pencil with an attached eraser — and four years later sold the idea for $100,000.
On March 30, 1858, Philadelphia stationer Hymen Lipman patented the first pencil with an attached eraser — and four years later sold the idea for $100,000.