The 20 most expensive items ever sold at auction as of 2023 (21 photos)

Auctions are a special element. They attract the variegated and far not the simplest bidders who want to acquire rare and unique items. Auction houses may be up for sale amazing works of art, precious stones, metals, furniture, yachts and even timeless memorabilia that belonged to famous personalities.





Not surprisingly, shoppers visiting such events, are ready to pay any price for the proposed lots, because that the chance to take possession of something like this does not fall out so often.

We invite you to take a look at the auction lots that were sold for record amounts. At the time of 2023, no one has yet been able to surpass in value. Of course, it's just a matter of time. Quite it is possible that in the near future the list of champions may radically change.

Marilyn Monroe dress - $5.5 million



The dress was sold in Beverly Hills, becoming the most expensive piece of clothing ever sold at auction.

British Guiana 1 cent magenta - $9 million



This is the only postage stamp issued in United Kingdom. It is not represented in the British Royal philatelic collection.

Liberty Loose Hair Dollar - $10 million



What is special about the presented lot? The point is that this The dollar is the first dollar coin minted in the United States. Quite it is possible that George Washington himself could hold it in his hands.

Cycladic Sculpture - $16.882 million



The ancient Cycladic marble sculpture is over 3000 years old. It belongs to the archaeological culture of the Bronze Age.

Henry Graves Chronometer - $24 million



This is an ultra-complicated rose gold chronometer with 24 functions. It was made in 1933 by Patek Philippe S.A. For American banker Henry Graves.

Armchair "Dragon" - 28.300 million dollars



Previously, this expensive chair belonged to the French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. In the original version, the furniture was made in white. Today it is upholstered in brown leather.

Statue of Artemis and the Deer - $28.600 million



The bronze statue, 2000 years old, is the rarest example of a lost ancient Roman culture.

Leicester Code - $30.800 million



In 1994, Microsoft founder Bill Gates bought auction Codex Leicester on 72 pages. The page collection contains ideas, drawings and diagrams invented by the famous polymath Leonardo da Vinci.

Clark's Crescent Leaf Carpet - $33.700 million



It is believed that this product was woven in Kirman in the 17th century. Its characteristic elegance has retained an exquisite quality despite age. Carpet decorated with climbing vines and bright flowers, long kept for years at the Corcoran Art Gallery.

Marie Antoinette's pendant - $36 million



This drop-shaped natural pearl pendant belonged to Queen of France and Navarre, youngest daughter of Emperor Franz I and Maria Theresa.

Badminton Cabinet - $36.662 million



Expensive monumental cabinet made of special ebony, formerly owned by Henry Scudamore - the famous British aristocrat.

Painting «Datura/White Flower No. 1" - $44.400 million



One of the most expensive paintings in the style of modernism belongs to the brush of the American artistGeorgia O'Keeffe.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $48 million



The car was built to participate in the FIA World Championship in the class of 3-liter cars in 1962.

Oppenheimer Blue Diamond - $48.600 million



This stone is the largest bright blue diamond, ever put up for auction. Its size is 14.62 carats.

Portrait of the Artist (Pool with Two Figures) - $90.300 million



This strange painting by David Hockney of two men and pool was sold at Christie's auction in November 2018 for crazy money.

Sculpture "Rabbit" by artist Jeff Koons - $91.100 million



The sculpture is made of ordinary stainless steel. It doesn't have precious stones or metals. The artist was inspired to create it ordinary inflatable children's toy.

Sculpture Pointing Man - $104 million



The author of the unusual sculpture is Alberto Giacometti. It's funny, but the creation of such an expensive creation took the creator only nine hours.

Gigayacht - $168 million



Gigayacht is a 123 meter pleasure yacht equipped with multiple amenities. It has a cinema, a helipad, 18 regular and deluxe rooms.

Painting “Women of Algeria” – $179.400 million



The painting was created by the famous artist Pablo Picasso. The time of its creation dates back to 1955. Her writing was inspired painting by the French painter Eugene Delacroix.

Painting "Savior of the World" - 450.300 million dollars



The painting is believed to be by Leonardo Da Vinci. However, some experts tend to assume that the canvas after all, it was written by one of his students.