2021 saw not only an incredible bull run for the crypto market. But also the boom of the Non-Fungible Token (NFT). Never before had the public seen or heard of digital images selling for hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. As the world caught on to the hype, NFT sales skyrocketed.
Although the space took off in 2021, many believe the first NFT was minted in 2014. This is a digital art called “Quantum” by the artist Kevin McCoy. The piece went on sale for $1.47 million in June of 2021. But it is not on the list of the most expensive NFTs sold.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the
Most expensive NFTs ever sold.
Ringers #109: This piece of art was sold for 2,100 ETH or $7.12 million, and it holds the record for the largest Art Blocks sale.
CryptoPunk #7804: CryptoPunks are some of the most expensive and popular NFTs. The pipe-smoking CryptoPunk #7804 sold for 4,200 ETH or $7.56 million. This piece was sold on 10th March 2021.
CryptoPunk #3100: This piece broke the previous record held by #7804 and went on sale the next day, i.e., 11th March 2021. CryptoPunk #3100 went for 4,200 ETH or $7.58 million.
CryptoPunk #4156: This NFT piece brought in a cool 2,500 ETH when Ethereum was close to its top. At the time, it was worth $10.2 million.
CryptoPunk #7523: This is the only CryptoPunk with a mask. Hence, this piece’s worth went up and sold at Sotheby’s for $11.8 million. Moreover, there are only nine alien CryptoPunk NFT, and #7523 is one of them.
CryptoPunk #5822: This is the most expensive CryptoPunk ever sold. Chain CEO Deepak Thapliyal paid 8000 ETH ($23.7 million) for this piece. Additionally, this is the last Punk on the list.
Beeple’s “Human One”: Beeple is one of the most popular digital artists in the world. Not to mention, his NFT pieces are among the most expensive. His “Human One” piece went on sale for $28.9 million. Additionally, this is Beeple’s first physical structure. Moreover, the work evolves as time passes. The sculpture resembles a monolith with LCD screens on its side.
Top three most expensive Non-Fungibles
Clock by Pak and Julian Assange: This piece is a clock counting down the days of whistleblower Julian Assange’s imprisonment. The aim was to raise funds for Assange’s legal team, Wau Holland Foundation. AssangeDAO purchased the piece for 16593 ETH ($52.7 million).
“The First 5000 Days” by Beeple: This is one of the most popular NFT pieces, sold for a whopping $69.34 million. Furthermore, the piece features 5000 artworks by Beeple.
“The Merge” by Pak: Digital artist Pak’s The Merge currently holds the record for the most expensive NFT ever. It was sold in December of 2021 when 28,983 collectors pooled $91.8 million to purchase the piece.
