NFTs have taken the world by storm, haven’t they? What started as a niche market for digital art and collectibles has quickly turned into a multi-million dollar industry.
But what makes these digital assets so valuable? Why are collectors and investors dropping millions on items they can’t physically touch?
In this article, we’re going to cut to the chase and explore the top 10 most expensive NFTs ever sold. Let’s find out what makes them so special and why people are paying such jaw-dropping prices for them.
Here are the top 10 most expensive NFTs:
1. The Merge: The Most Expensive in History
Artist: Pak
The Merge holds the record for the most expensive NFT ever sold, with a total value of $91.8 million in December 2021 on Nifty Gateway. What makes it different is that 29,983 people bought 312,686 units of the artwork instead of a single buyer. Each unit, called a “mass,” started at $575, and buyers could own larger shares by purchasing more.
Pak, an anonymous digital artist known for breaking new ground in NFTs, designed The Merge to challenge traditional ideas of art ownership. Instead of one person owning it, thousands of people collectively own parts of the piece.
This sale not only highlighted the growing value of NFTs but also made high-end digital art more accessible. It opened up new ways to think about owning art in the digital age, where technology plays a major role in shaping our experiences.
2. Everydays: The First 5000 Days
Artist: Mike Winkelmann aka Beeple
Everydays: The First 5000 Days is one of the most iconic NFTs, selling for $69.3 million at Christie’s in March 2021, catapulting Beeple (Michael Winkelmann) and NFTs into mainstream awareness. The artwork is a collage of 5,000 individual pieces created daily over 13 years, showcasing Beeple’s evolving style and commitment.
The sale, made through 42,329 Ether (ETH) by Vignesh Sundaresan (MetaKovan), marked a turning point for digital art, proving NFTs could command prices comparable to traditional art. This groundbreaking auction fueled global interest in NFTs, setting a new standard for digital artists and collectors alike.
3. Clock
Artists: Pak and Julian Assange
Clock is a dynamic NFT created by digital artist Pak in collaboration with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. It serves as a real-time counter, displaying the days Assange has spent in London’s Belmarsh prison, awaiting extradition to the U.S. on espionage charges.
In February 2022, AssangeDAO, a collective of over 10,000 supporters, purchased the NFT for 16,593 ETH (approximately $52.7 million). Proceeds from the sale were directed to Assange’s legal defense fund.
More than just an artwork, Clock is a political statement, raising awareness of Assange’s imprisonment and advocating for freedom of information. It represents a milestone in crypto art, showcasing how NFTs can transcend traditional art forms to support social and political causes.
4. Human One
Artist: Mike Winkelmann aka Beeple
“Human One” is a unique kinetic video sculpture created by Beeple, blending physical and digital art. Described as “the first portrait of a human born in the metaverse,” it sold at Christie’s for nearly $29 million in November 2021, making it one of the most expensive NFTs ever.
The 7-foot-tall sculpture shows a figure in a futuristic spacesuit, moving through a constantly changing dystopian landscape. With a 16K resolution display encased in polished aluminum and mahogany, the artwork evolves in real-time. Beeple can remotely update it, ensuring the piece stays dynamic and relevant.
This NFT combines a digital token with a physical sculpture, making it truly one-of-a-kind. “Human One” not only set a record price but also helped solidify NFTs as a legitimate form of fine art, further boosting Beeple’s reputation in the digital art world.
5. CryptoPunk #5822
Artists: Matt Hall and John Watkinson, Larva Labs’s directors
CryptoPunk #5822 sold for a record $23.7 million, making it the priciest in the entire CryptoPunks collection. It’s one of just nine alien punks in the 10,000-piece set and features a blue bandana, adding to its uniqueness. The buyer, Deepak Thapliyal, CEO of Chain, shared the news on Twitter.
CryptoPunks, created by Larva Labs in 2017, are 10,000 pixelated avatars on the Ethereum blockchain. Aliens, the rarest type, are highly valuable due to their scarcity. Originally free, these digital collectibles are now iconic and highly sought after, with their rarity and blockchain security driving prices sky-high.
6. CryptoPunks #7523
Artists: Matt Hall and John Watkinson, Larva Labs’s directors
CryptoPunk #7523 became the highest-priced CryptoPunk in June 2021, selling for $11.75 million at Sotheby’s “Natively Digital: A Curated NFT Sale.” Its value comes from its extreme rarity; one of only nine Alien Punks and its unique feature of wearing a surgical mask, a symbol of the pandemic. It also has rare attributes like a knitted cap and an earring, adding to its appeal.
Created by Larva Labs founders Matt Hall and John Watkinson, CryptoPunk #7523’s combination of rarity, symbolism, and unique traits has made it one of the most expensive NFTs ever sold.
7. TPunk #3442
Artists: Mondiblo and Bastardber
The high-profile purchase of the rare ‘Joker’ Tpunk by Tron Founder Justin Sun for $10.5 million (120 million TRX) highlights his strong involvement in the NFT space. Sun, who had originally aimed to acquire Beeple’s Everydays: The First 5000 Days but was outbid by just $250,000, turned his attention to this Tpunk, further showcasing his commitment to NFTs.
The Tpunk collection, a derivative of the popular CryptoPunks series, consists of 10,000 unique avatars on the Tron blockchain. TPunk #3442, nicknamed “Joker” for its resemblance to the Batman villain, stands out as the most expensive NFT sold on the Tron blockchain. Originally, Tpunks cost just 1,000 TRX (around $123) to mint, but Sun’s purchase skyrocketed their value, driving collectors to invest in the collection.
This sale not only cemented TPunk #3442 as a top-tier NFT, but it also became the 7th most expensive NFT ever sold. The “Joker” Tpunk’s high value is largely attributed to its connection to a well-known character, as well as being the first major NFT sale on the Tron blockchain, further elevating its cultural and market significance.
8. CryptoPunk #4156
Artists: Matt Hall and John Watkinson, Larva Labs’s directors
CryptoPunk #4156 is a standout in the NFT world, and for good reason. It’s part of an ultra-rare group; one of only 24 Ape-type CryptoPunks. And with its signature blue bandana (a trait only 5% of punks have), it’s got that extra flair collectors go wild for.
In December, #4156 sold for a jaw-dropping $10.26 million. What’s even crazier? Just 10 months before, it went for $1.25 million. Talk about a glow-up! It shows just how insane the NFT market can be. Right now, its current owner hasn’t listed it for sale, but given its history, it’s one to watch.
These digital collectibles from Larva Labs are proof that NFTs can turn into serious investments if you play your cards right.
9. CryptoPunk #5577
Artists: Matt Hall and John Watkinson, Larva Labs’s directors
In February 2022, CryptoPunk #5577, an ape-like figure sporting a cowboy hat, made headlines by selling for an impressive 2,501 ETH, nearly $7.7 million. This transaction positioned it as the fourth most expensive CryptoPunk ever sold. The buyer was Robert Leshner, the founder of the Compound DeFi protocol.
CryptoPunk #5577 is part of the 24-piece Ape Punk collection and is particularly rare, with only 142 CryptoPunks featuring the iconic cowboy hat. For Leshner, this NFT has proven to be a great investment, highlighting its desirability among collectors.
10. CryptoPunk #3100- The Fifth Most Expensive CryptoPunk NFT
Artists: Matt Hall and John Watkinson, Larva Labs’s directors
The fifth most expensive CryptoPunk NFT is CryptoPunk #3100, an Alien Punk that sold for $7.57 million about a year ago. This marked its first sale since being minted in 2017. Notably, #3100 features a rare headband, with only 406 Punks possessing this attribute, making it a standout among the collection.
What makes #3100 particularly intriguing is its unique appearance, setting it apart from other CryptoPunks. The high sale price indicates the buyer sees potential in this NFT, with owners controlling its use and display. Since its sale, #3100 has not been resold, maintaining its status as a rare asset in the NFT market.
Conclusion
The world of digital art has seen amazing NFT sales, with artists like Pak and Beeple leading the way. Each artwork tells a unique story, reflecting the creator’s style and showcasing the NFT space’s diversity.
As the digital art market grows, expect more generative NFT art collections to emerge with rising AI technology.
