Despite existing for only a decade, NFTs have made significant progress in the technology sector. Companies are increasingly adopting NFT technology for their operations, highlighting its widespread impact. The concept of non-fungible tokens was first introduced in 2012 with a project called Colored Coins. This project aimed to tokenize the Bitcoins generated in the first-ever block, known as the Genesis transaction. Since then, the NFT market has witnessed record-breaking sales and the emergence of token standards that have revolutionized NFT projects. One of the key milestones in this sector was the launch of the Ethereum network in 2017, which introduced the NFT token standard ERC721. Prior to Ethereum, there were only a few NFT projects, such as Rare Pepes and Crypto Punks. However, today there are thousands of NFT collections running on multiple blockchains. While there are concerns about the value of NFTs and the fluctuation in the industry, the sector continues to grow and evolve. In the future, we can expect to see even more expensive NFT sales and new technological advancements. But before that happens, let’s take a look at some of the most expensive NFTs to date. These NFTs range in cost from $6 million to $70 million, with their ethereum-equivalent values at the time of purchase. Now, let’s dive into the details of these high-value NFTs:
1. Cost: $6.2 Million (1630 ETH)
Artist: XCOPY
Artwork: The All Time High in the City
The All Time High in the City is a GIF image minted in 2018. It was initially bought for 0.5 ETH in November 2018 and has since been sold multiple times, with its most recent sale being for 1630 ETH. The artwork features an illustration of the underworld’s ferryman transporting a person through the river Styx, with XCOPY’s signature flickering effects and dark abstract style.
2. Cost: $6.6 Million (4400 ETH)
Artist: Beeple
Artwork: Crossroad
Crossroad is a digital artwork by Beeple that gained popularity during the 2020 presidential elections in the United States. It depicts a chaotic scene from the race, with a giant illustration of Donald Trump lying face down and covered in slogans. The artwork was bought for $66,666 and sold four months later for $6.6 million.
3. Cost: $6.63 Million (2000 ETH)
Artist: Larva Labs (John Watkinson and Matt Hall)
Artwork: CryptoPunk #8857
CryptoPunk #8857 is one of the 10,000 unique characters from the CryptoPunk NFT collection. It was initially claimed for free and sold in 2018 for 2.5 ETH. In September 2021, the NFT was purchased for 2000 ETH due to the increasing demand for zombie NFTs. This particular CryptoPunk has rare zombie traits, making it highly valuable.
4. Cost: $7 Million (1600 ETH)
Artist: XCOPY
Artwork: Right-click and Save As Guy
Right-click and Save As Guy is XCOPY’s second artwork on this list. It was minted in December 2018 and has been sold multiple times, with its most recent sale being for 1600 ETH. The artwork is a response to NFT critics who question the value of buying an image file when it can be downloaded for free. Despite the criticism, this artwork has gained recognition and fame.
5. Cost: $7.1 Million (2100 ETH)
Artist: Dmitri Cherniak
Artwork: Ringers #109
Ringers #109 is a part of the Art Blocks collection created by Dmitri Cherniak. This artwork, sold for 2100 ETH, is known for its complex art patterns created by wrapping a string around a set of pegs. Despite criticism about the originality of the Ringers concept, this sale solidified Art Blocks’ reputation as a leading NFT project.
6. Cost: $7.56 Million (4200 ETH)
Artist: Larva Labs
Artwork: CryptoPunk #7804
CryptoPunk #7804 is one of the rarest characters in the CryptoPunk collection. It is one of the nine alien punks and features additional rare attributes like a forward-facing cap, a pipe, and small shades. The NFT was sold for 4200 ETH, equivalent to $7.56 million, in March 2021.
7. Cost: $7.57 Million (4200 ETH)
Artist: Larva Labs
Artwork: CryptoPunk #3100
CryptoPunk #3100 is another valuable NFT from the CryptoPunk collection. It is one of the nine alien punks and features a headband, making it a rare find. The NFT was sold for 4200 ETH in March 2021 and has received bids as high as $87 million.
8. Cost: $7.7 Million (2501 ETH)
Artist: Larva Labs
Artwork: CryptoPunk #5577
CryptoPunk #5577 is one of the two ape punks on this list. It was sold for 2501 ETH in February 2022, after receiving bids as high as $122 million. Ape punks, especially those from the Bored Ape Yacht Club collection, have gained popularity, driving demand for similar NFTs like CryptoPunk #5577.
9. Cost: $10.2 Million (2500 ETH)
Artist: Larva Labs
Artwork: CryptoPunk #4156
CryptoPunk #4156 is the most expensive ape punk NFT in the collection. It has been sold multiple times, with its most recent sale being for 2500 ETH. The NFT features rare attributes like being one of the 24 ape punks and wearing a bandana.
10. Cost: $10.5 Million (120 million TRX)
Artist: …