Prepare to be dazzled as we dive into the top 17 most expensive NFTs ever sold, showcasing the jaw-dropping value and significance these digital assets have garnered. Each NFT carries a unique story and creator, making them irresistible to collectors.
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have revolutionized art and digital collectibles, with buyers snapping up digital items for eye-watering sums. These unique digital assets range from art to music to videos, with some fetching millions.
- The Merge by Pak - $91.8 million
- Everydays: The First 5000 Days by Beeple - $69 million
- CryptoPunk #1563 - $56.3 million
- Clock by Pak and Julian Assange - $52.7 million
- Beeple's 'HUMAN ONE' - $29 million
- CryptoPunk #5822 - $23.7 million
- CryptoPunk #7523 - $11.75 million
- TPunk #3442 - $10.5 million
- CryptoPunk #4156 - $10.26 million
- CryptoPunk #5577 - $7.7 million
- CryptoPunk #3100 - $7.67 million
- CryptoPunk #7804 - $7.57 million
- Right Click And Save As Guy by XCOPY - $7 million
- Ringers #109 by Dmitri Cherniak - $6.93 million
- CryptoPunk #8857 - $6.63 million
- Crossroad by Beeple - $6.6 million
- Ringers #879: The Goose by Dmitri Cherniak - $6.2 million
The Secrets of the Most Expensive NFT Collections
The Merge by Pak – The Crown Jewel of NFTs
Pak's 'The Merge' reigns supreme, selling for a staggering 91.8 million on December 2, 2021. This isn't your typical NFT; it's a collection of "masses" that buyers could merge into larger pieces. The innovative sale method saw 28,893 collectors purchase 312,686 units, each costing 575. The debate continues on whether it's one artwork or many, but either way, it's a record-breaker.
Pak, the mysterious artist, has been a digital art pioneer for over two decades, best known for creating "Archillect," an AI curating visually stimulating content. His "Fungible Collection" sold for $16.8 million at Sotheby’s in 2022, further cementing his legacy.
Everydays: The First 5000 Days by Beeple
Beeple's masterpiece, auctioned for $69 million at Christie’s in March 2021, is a collage of 5,000 artworks created daily over 13 years. Acquired by Vignesh Sundaresan, aka MetaKovan, using 42,329 ETH, it reflects Beeple’s artistic evolution and the NFT boom in the art world.
CryptoPunk #1563: Blue-eyes Brunette
On October 3, 2024, a transaction was recorded where CryptoPunk 1563 was sold for 24,000 ETH, or approximately $56.3 million (24,000 ETH). The buyer purchased the NFT from the seller, setting a new record for the highest sale price for any CryptoPunk. Read more news about CryptoPunk: Yuga Labs Founder Denies Rumors of CryptoPunks Copyright Sale
Clock – A Political Statement by Pak and Julian Assange
Clock, a collaboration between Pak and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, features a timer counting Assange's imprisonment days. Sold for $52.7 million to AssangeDAO, the NFT supports Assange’s legal defense, highlighting NFTs' potential for activism and social change.
Human One – Beeple’s Futuristic Vision
Beeple strikes again with Human One, a kinetic video sculpture blending physical and digital worlds. Auctioned for $29 million, it features a silver-clad figure in a dystopian world. This ever-evolving piece represents Beeple’s vision of the future, with remote updates ensuring it remains a living artwork.
CryptoPunk #5822: A Blue-Skinned Marvel
Behind every iconic NFT collection lies a tale as captivating as the art itself. Among the pioneering NFT projects, CryptoPunks have fetched astounding prices, with CryptoPunk #5822 leading the charge. Featuring a rare blue-skinned Alien, one of just nine, this NFT was snapped up by Deepak.eth, CEO of Chain, for a cool $23 million in February.
Launched by Larva Labs in 2017, CryptoPunks comprises 10,000 unique avatars on the Ethereum blockchain. Initially claimable for free, these avatars have since become legendary collectibles. The rarity of CryptoPunk #5822, being one of nine Alien Punks, underscores its value and the project's significant role in the NFT revolution.
CryptoPunk #7523: The Masked Marvel
CryptoPunk #7523, another Alien Punk, ranks as the sixth priciest NFT ever sold. Auctioned by Sotheby’s in June 2021, it fetched $11.75 million. As the only Alien Punk donning a medical mask, it stands out for its uniqueness, further enhanced by a rare knitted cap and earring.
TPunk #3442: The Joker of the Tron Blockchain
Next on the list is TPunk #3442, acquired by Tron CEO Justin Sun for 120 million TRX (around $10.5 million) in August 2021. Known as “Joker” for its resemblance to the iconic villain, this NFT is part of the TPunks collection, a CryptoPunk derivative project. Sun’s purchase catapulted TPunks' value, making #3442 the costliest NFT on the Tron blockchain.
CryptoPunk #4156: The Ape with a Bandana
CryptoPunk #4156, an Ape Punk, ranks eighth among the most expensive NFTs. Sold for $10.26 million in December, this Punk is one of only 24 Ape types. Its rarity is accentuated by a bandana, a trait shared by just 5% of the collection, and a single attribute, possessed by a mere 2%.
CryptoPunk #5577 just sold for 2,501 ETH ($7.7 million) via @straybits1 👀
— nft now (@nftnow) February 9, 2022
This is now the third highest on-chain Punk sale. pic.twitter.com/sv0NWSURwM
CryptoPunk #5577: The Cowboy Hat Charmer
In February 2022, CryptoPunk #5577, another Ape type, joined the ranks of top-selling NFTs. Fetching $7.7 million, it became the fourth most expensive CryptoPunk. Rumored to be purchased by Compound DeFi founder Robert Leshner, this NFT features a rare Cowboy Hat, a trait held by only 1% of Punks.
CryptoPunk #3100: The Alien with a Headband
Taking the fifth spot among CryptoPunks, #3100 sold for $7.67 million (4,500 ETH). This Alien Punk, with its rare headband, was listed for sale for the first time since its 2017 minting. Its rarity and single attribute contributed to its hefty price tag. A CryptoPunks NFT, #3100, was sold for approximately $16.2 million (at the time of the transaction) in 2024, marking the third-largest (after CryptoPunk #7804) sale in the collection's history.
CryptoPunk #7804: The Pipe-Smoking Legend
CryptoPunk #7804, another rare Alien Punk, sold for $7.57 million (4,850 ETH). It features a unique Pipe, a Cap Forward, and Small Shades, making it an exceptionally valuable NFT. Initially the priciest Punk, it was surpassed by #3100 just a day later. Now CryptoPunk #7804 is worth about $16.4 million, taking the record for the second-largest CryptoPunk NFT sale
Right Click And Save As Guy by XCOPY
Renowned crypto artist XCOPY sold "Right Click And Save As Guy" for $7 million. This dystopian-themed artwork, purchased by collector Cozomo de’ Medici, humorously nods to the misconception that NFTs can be easily downloaded. Created in 2018, it initially sold for just 1 ETH.
Ringers #109 by Dmitri Cherniak
Canadian artist Dmitri Cherniak, a renowned figure in the world of generative art, has captivated the art community with his groundbreaking NFT, "Ringers #109." Part of the esteemed Ringers collection, this piece represents a pinnacle of creativity and technological innovation, showcasing the limitless potential of algorithmic art. "Ringers #109" stands out not only for its intricate design but also for its remarkable sale, fetching an astonishing $6.94 million (2,100 ETH), making it one of the most expensive NFTs ever sold on the Art Blocks platform.
Cherniak's Ringers collection, consisting of 1,000 unique pieces, explores the concept of wrapping a string around a set of pegs. Each piece is generated through an algorithm, resulting in a distinct and mesmerizing combination of shapes, colors, and patterns.
Top NFT of 2024: CryptoPunk #8857
Yet another CryptoPunk makes the list! CryptoPunk #8857 fetched an impressive $6.63 million in an OpenSea auction. What sets this one apart is its status as one of the 88 Zombie Punks, complete with wild hair and funky 3D glasses. The popularity of CryptoPunks is undeniable, and this particular piece's high price tag underscores the immense value and demand for these digital collectibles.
Crossroad by Beeple: Politics and Art in High-Value NFTs
“Crossroads” by Beeple was purchased on November 1, for $66,666.60 on Nifty Gateway by a user identified as Pablo. Interestingly, the new user offered a whopping sum of $6.6 million to repurchase and stay anonymous marking the highest NFT sale at that time. Two months later, Beeple released a second drop. One of the works sold for $777,777, at the time a new record price for an NFT.
Created in response to the 2020 US presidential election, this 10-second video features two outcomes: a triumphant Trump or a defeated one. With Trump’s loss, the final piece depicts a fallen, naked figure (symbolizing Trump) on the street, covered in insults. Interestingly, the NFT was sold before the election results, showcasing Beeple's knack for combining art with timely political commentary.
Read the full review of Nifty Gateway.
Ringers #879 by Dmitri Cherniak
Dmitri Cherniak has once again captured the spotlight with the sale of his NFT, "Ringers #879: The Goose." This extraordinary piece, part of the acclaimed Ringers collection, recently sold for an impressive $6.2 million at Sotheby’s generative art auction, cementing its place as one of the most valuable NFTs in the digital art world.
"Ringers #879: The Goose" is celebrated for its distinctive and captivating design, which artfully combines geometric precision with organic fluidity. The piece stands out with its unique visual composition, featuring a harmonious array of shapes and colors that evoke the elegant form of a goose. This blend of mathematical algorithms and artistic expression exemplifies the innovative spirit of generative art, where code becomes the artist's brush.
While this list highlights seventeen of the priciest NFTs ever sold, many others have also fetched millions. Notable mentions include
- XCOPY's 'All Time High in the City,'
- Edward Snowden's 'Stay Free,'
- Bored Ape #8817.
As the NFT market continues to flourish, we anticipate even more record-breaking sales.
Conclusion
The digital art world has witnessed staggering NFT sales, with artists like Pak and Beeple at the forefront, crafting immensely valuable digital masterpieces. The Merge, The First 5000 Days, Clock, HUMAN ONE, and CryptoPunk #5822 epitomize the pinnacle of digital art, representing the most expensive NFT sales in this burgeoning space.
Each piece carries its own story, creator, and significance, capturing the diverse and dynamic essence of the NFT world. As the digital asset market evolves and AI makes its mark, many generative NFT art collections are emerging. However, these expensive artworks stand as milestones, paving the way for the future of NFTs.
FAQs about NFT Collections
What is the highest-selling NFT Collection?
Axie Infinity holds the record as the highest-selling NFT collection, amassing a total of 4.27 billion in sales, followed by the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) with 3.16 billion.
What is the most expensive NFT?
The Merge by Pak is the most expensive NFT art ever sold, fetching $91.8 million on Nifty Gateway in December 2021.
What kind of NFT sells best?
NFTs with unique, innovative qualities by renowned artists tend to sell well. Collections like CryptoPunks and works by Beeple, along with NFTs offering real-world impact or utility, attract high value.
Are NFTs still profitable?
Yes, NFTs can still be profitable, but success varies based on factors like artist reputation, NFT uniqueness, and market trends. The NFT market is volatile, and not every NFT will yield a profit.
Abimbola Adu
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