Money has always been a measure of value, but some things in history have commanded price tags so extravagant that they boggle the mind. From rare artwork to one-of-a-kind collectibles, certain items have sold for record-breaking amounts, proving that for some, price is no object. Here’s a look at some of the most expensive purchases in history across different categories.
1. The Most Expensive Painting: Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi
Sold for: $450.3 million
In 2017, Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi became the most expensive painting ever sold at an auction. This artwork, which depicts Christ holding a crystal orb, was once lost for centuries and rediscovered in 2005. Originally purchased for just $10,000 due to its poor condition, it was later authenticated as a da Vinci masterpiece. The painting was sold at Christie’s and is believed to be owned by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
2. The Most Expensive Car: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
Sold for: $143 million
In 2022, a rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe became the most expensive car ever sold. Only two of these vehicles were ever made, and their design was inspired by Mercedes’ success in racing. The car was sold in a private auction held by RM Sotheby’s, breaking the previous record for the priciest automobile.
3. The Most Expensive Diamond: The Pink Star
Sold for: $71.2 million
Diamonds have always been a symbol of wealth, but the Pink Star, a 59.6-carat flawless pink diamond, shattered records in 2017. It was auctioned at Sotheby’s Hong Kong and bought by Chow Tai Fook, a famous jewelry retailer. This gem remains the most expensive diamond ever sold.
4. The Most Expensive Comic Book: Action Comics No. 1
Sold for: $3.25 million
The birth of Superman changed the comic book industry forever, and the first issue of Action Comics, published in 1938, is the holy grail for collectors. A high-grade copy of this comic was sold in 2021 for $3.25 million. Given its rarity and historical significance, it’s no surprise that this book continues to break records.
5. The Most Expensive Sports Memorabilia: Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Jersey
Sold for: $10.1 million
Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 jersey, worn during the famous "Last Dance" season, set a record in 2022 when it sold for $10.1 million at Sotheby’s. This jersey represents one of the greatest moments in basketball history, making it a prized possession for sports collectors.
6. The Most Expensive Handbag: Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse
Sold for: $3.8 million
The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse holds the Guinness World Record as the most expensive handbag ever sold. Crafted with 18-karat gold and encrusted with 4,517 diamonds, this purse is more of a luxury statement than an everyday accessory.
7. The Most Expensive Movie Prop: R2-D2 from Star Wars
Sold for: $2.75 million
The Star Wars franchise has a massive fan base, and in 2017, a complete R2-D2 unit used in multiple films was auctioned off for $2.75 million. This droid, built from original film components, became the most expensive movie prop ever sold.
8. The Most Expensive NFT: Beeple’s Everydays: The First 5000 Days
Sold for: $69.3 million
The digital art world saw a revolution in 2021 when an NFT (non-fungible token) by artist Beeple, titled Everydays: The First 5000 Days, sold for $69.3 million at Christie’s. This sale marked the moment when digital collectibles became a serious investment.
Final Thoughts
From rare paintings to digital art, history has shown that people are willing to pay astronomical prices for items that hold cultural, historical, or sentimental value. Whether it's a masterpiece from centuries ago or a digital file minted on the blockchain, the pursuit of exclusivity continues to push price tags to unimaginable heights.
Would you ever spend millions on a collectible?
