Most expensive items sold on auction (2024)

Auctions are renowned for being the perfect place to find quality bargains. From vehicle to property auctions, a wide range of potential buyers are lured by the promise of finding a good deal. However, certain auctions have been known to drum up a different kind of attention, with the most influential offering one-of-a-kind art, clothing and other timeless pieces on the auction floor.

It’s not uncommon for these types of auctions to break records, with some pieces fetching millions. If you have ever wondered what the most expensive auction items are, take a look at the top eight most expensive items sold on auction over the last decade:

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi: $450 million

Leonardo da Vinci was famous for creating many paintings, including the High Renaissance depiction of Jesus Christ titled Salvator Mundi. Nearly five centuries after its creation, the painting continued to inspire awe after being purchased for an astronomical sum of $450 million by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman in 2017. It is considered one of the most expensive works ever sold.

Pablo Picasso’s Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O): $179 million

Les Femmes d’Alger (Woman of Algiers) is a series of 15 paintings and numerous drawings by world-renowned Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. Version O is the final piece in the series and was created in 1955, providing examples of Cubism. It was sold for $179 million at a Christie’s auction in 2017 and was considered one of the most expensive works purchased at auction before being surpassed by da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi in 2017.

Frank Mulder’s Gigayacht - $168 million

Gigayachts are a symbol of power and an unlimited supply of money. This seemed to be the case when Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased a 405-foot megayacht for $168 million on eBay in 2006. The yacht was designed by renowned naval architect Frank Mulder.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewellery Collection: $116 million

Hollywood icon, Elizabeth Taylor’s jewellery collection contained a host of rare and beautiful items. The collection was sold for $116 million in 2011 and included a La Peregrina natural pearl necklace and a few other valuable items. The proceeds of the sale were donated to the Elizabeth Taylor Foundation.

Jeff Koon’s Rabbit: $91.1 million

American artist Jeff Koons set the record for the most expensive work sold by a living artist at auction. The work in question is Koons’ steel sculpture titled “Rabbit.” It was designed by the artist in 1986 and sold for a whopping $91.1 million in 2019.

The Oppenheimer Blue: $57.9 million

The Oppenheimer Blue is a 14.62-carat blue diamond. It is named after its previous owner, Sir Phillip Oppenheimer, a figure in the diamond industry during the1900’s. It is the most expensive blue diamond ever sold in auction history, selling for $57.9 million at Christie’s in Geneva in 2016.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO: $48 million

The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold at a Sotheby’s auction house in 2018 for $48 million. It’s considered one of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction.

Marie Antoinette’s Pearl Pendant: $32 million

More than two hundred years later and Marie Antoinette continues to make headlines. The last queen of France owned a drop-shaped pearl pendant which was sold at a 2018 Sotheby’s auction for $32 million. According to the auction house, the pendant is considered one of the most expensive pearls ever sold.

Auctions provide both auctioneers and buyers with a thrilling experience that doesn’t require you to break the bank and spend millions (unless you want to). With an easy-to-use platform and convenient free-to-download app, finding your next one-of-a-kind auction piece is just a click away.