Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have exploded in popularity, with some selling for jaw-dropping prices. These digital assets, often linked to unique works of art, have captivated the world of art collectors, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike. Below is a list of the most expensive NFTs ever sold, showcasing some of the highest-profile sales in the NFT space.
1. “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” by Beeple – $69.3 Million
- Artist: Beeple (Mike Winkelmann)
- Price: $69.3 million
- Date Sold: March 2021
- Platform: Christie’s Auction House
Beeple’s digital collage titled “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” holds the record for the most expensive NFT ever sold. This artwork is a compilation of 5,000 individual images that the artist created daily over a period of more than 13 years. The sale took place at Christie’s, marking the first time a major auction house sold an NFT. The auction drew massive attention to the NFT space and solidified Beeple as a leader in digital art.
2. “Human One” by Beeple – $28.9 Million
- Artist: Beeple (Mike Winkelmann)
- Price: $28.9 million
- Date Sold: November 2021
- Platform: Christie’s Auction House
Another Beeple creation, “Human One”, sold for a staggering $28.9 million. This piece is a hybrid work that combines a physical sculpture with an ever-changing NFT video. It features a 3D astronaut walking through a continuously evolving landscape. Beeple’s reputation as an artist and the groundbreaking nature of the artwork contributed significantly to its high value.
3. “CryptoPunk #7804” – $7.6 Million
- Artist: Larva Labs
- Price: $7.6 million
- Date Sold: March 2021
- Platform: Sotheby’s Auction House
CryptoPunk #7804 is one of the rarest and most valuable CryptoPunks ever sold. This NFT features a pixelated character with a unique “pipe” trait. CryptoPunks are among the first NFT projects ever created, and their early role in the NFT movement has made them highly coveted. This particular punk sold for $7.6 million in an auction at Sotheby’s.
4. “CryptoPunk #3100” – $7.6 Million
- Artist: Larva Labs
- Price: $7.6 million
- Date Sold: March 2021
- Platform: OpenSea
Another CryptoPunk that has made waves in the NFT world is CryptoPunk #3100. This NFT features a unique “headband” trait and was one of the few CryptoPunks with such a characteristic. Its sale for $7.6 million has placed it on the list of the most expensive NFTs ever. CryptoPunks have long been considered one of the most valuable and iconic NFT collections in the space.
5. “Ringers #109” by Dmitri Cherniak – $6.9 Million
- Artist: Dmitri Cherniak
- Price: $6.9 million
- Date Sold: April 2022
- Platform: Sotheby’s Auction House
Ringers #109 is part of the Art Blocks collection and was sold for $6.9 million. Art Blocks is known for its generative art, where each piece is algorithmically created. Ringers is one of the most famous collections, and this particular piece by artist Dmitri Cherniak became one of the most expensive generative NFTs ever sold. The uniqueness and appeal of the collection played a huge role in driving up its price.
6. “The First Ever Tweet” by Jack Dorsey – $2.9 Million
- Creator: Jack Dorsey (Twitter co-founder)
- Price: $2.9 million
- Date Sold: March 2021
- Platform: Valuables by Cent
In an unprecedented move, Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, sold his very first tweet as an NFT. The tweet read, “just setting up my twttr” and was purchased for $2.9 million by a Malaysian businessman. The sale captured global media attention as it represented a historical moment in the evolution of social media and the growing intersection between tech and art.
7. “Crossroads” by Beeple – $6.6 Million
- Artist: Beeple (Mike Winkelmann)
- Price: $6.6 million
- Date Sold: February 2021
- Platform: Nifty Gateway
Another major Beeple piece, “Crossroads”, fetched $6.6 million. The artwork, which portrays a video of a politically charged scene showing an animated figure on the ground, garnered widespread attention, especially during the 2020 U.S. elections. The video is both a commentary on political strife and a groundbreaking piece in the NFT world.
8. “Stay Free” by Edward Snowden – $5.4 Million
- Artist: Edward Snowden
- Price: $5.4 million
- Date Sold: April 2021
- Platform: Foundation
Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who revealed classified information from the NSA, created an NFT called “Stay Free”. This NFT features a portrait of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Snowden’s actions were a violation of privacy. It was sold for $5.4 million, showcasing the value of NFTs tied to political activism and historical significance.
9. “Right-click and Save As Guy” by XCOPY – $6 Million
- Artist: XCOPY
- Price: $6 million
- Date Sold: December 2021
- Platform: SuperRare
“Right-click and Save As Guy” is a digital artwork by the artist XCOPY, who is known for his distinctive style. This piece, which critiques the perception of NFTs and digital ownership, sold for $6 million. The piece is a perfect example of how digital art can hold immense value, even if it plays on the controversial concept of “right-click saving” an NFT image.
10. “Bored Ape Yacht Club #2087” – $2.3 Million
- Artist: Yuga Labs
- Price: $2.3 million
- Date Sold: October 2021
- Platform: OpenSea
The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) collection is one of the most popular and successful NFT projects, and Bored Ape #2087 is one of the most expensive apes ever sold. The ape comes with a distinctive trait, including a unique appearance and clothing, making it highly desirable to collectors. This NFT was purchased for over $2.3 million and provides access to the exclusive Bored Ape Yacht Club.
Conclusion
These monumental sales reflect the rising value and importance of NFTs in both the art world and digital economy. The prices are often driven by the uniqueness, creator reputation, and cultural significance of the NFT. Whether it’s a piece of art, a tweet, or a digital collectible, NFTs have captured the imagination of collectors and investors worldwide, transforming the way we think about ownership, value, and digital assets.