#auction items

MN auctions have long been platforms where rarity, historical significance, and unparalleled craftsmanship converge, resulting in jaw-dropping price tags. From art masterpieces to rare collectibles, the world has witnessed some truly extraordinary items commanding astronomical prices. 

Here's a glimpse into the realm of the world's most expensive auction items. Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi" (2017): At the heart of the art world, Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi" stands as the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. This masterpiece, depicting Christ as the Savior of the World, fetched a staggering $450.3 million at a Christie's auction in 2017. The buyer shrouded in mystery, secured not just a work of art but a piece of history. Picasso's "Les Femmes d'Alger" (Version 'O') (2015): Another art marvel, Pablo Picasso's vibrant and complex "Les Femmes d'Alger" reached an auction record of $179.4 million at Christie's in 2015. The piece pays homage to the artist's fascination with the harem theme and showcases his mastery of color and form, solidifying its status as one of the most valuable paintings ever sold. Pink Star Diamond (2017): Diamonds are forever, and the Pink Star Diamond, a stunning 59.60-carat pink gem, holds the record for the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. In 2017, it fetched an astonishing $71.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong. The diamond's rarity, combined with its exceptional color and clarity, contributed to its record-breaking sale.

Jeff Koons' "Rabbit" (2019): Contemporary art made its mark in the auction world with Jeff Koons' "Rabbit," a stainless-steel sculpture resembling a balloon animal. This iconic piece sold for $91.1 million at Christie's in 2019, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a work by a living artist. Koons' "Rabbit" symbolizes the intersection of pop culture and high art. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (2018): In the realm of rare automobiles, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO holds the title as the most expensive car ever sold at auction. Crossing the block at RM Sotheby's in 2018, this pristine racing car commanded a staggering $48.4 million. The Ferrari 250 GTO's combination of performance, history, and limited production (only 36 were built) contributed to its record-breaking price. Yuan Dynasty Vase (2010): Antique Chinese porcelain is highly coveted among collectors, and a 14th-century Yuan Dynasty vase proved this in 2010. Unearthed from a suburban London home, the vase soared to a remarkable $85.9 million at auction. Its rarity, age, and exquisite craftsmanship captivated bidders, making it one of the world's most expensive ceramic pieces.

Stradivarius Violin (2011): The timeless craftsmanship of Antonio Stradivari, the legendary violin maker, is revered by musicians and collectors alike. In 2011, a Stradivarius violin known as the "Lady Blunt" sold for an astounding $15.9 million at a charity  auction. The instrument's exceptional sound quality, coupled with its pristine condition, contributed to its record-breaking price. Ming Dynasty "Chicken Cup" (2014): A small porcelain cup, known as the Ming Dynasty "Chicken Cup," became one of the world's most expensive Chinese artworks when it sold for $36.05 million at Sotheby's in 2014. Decorated with a simple yet charming scene of a rooster and hen with their chicks, this delicate cup's rarity and historical significance captivated collectors. Action Comics #1 (2014): In the world of comic books, few items hold as much significance as Action Comics #1, featuring the debut of Superman. In 2014, a pristine copy of this iconic comic book fetched $3.2 million in an online auction. Its rarity, coupled with the cultural impact of introducing the first superhero, made it an invaluable collector's item.

Graham's George Washington Gold Coin (2013): In 2013, a 1792 gold coin featuring George Washington's image was auctioned for an astounding $1.7 million. This unique coin, known as the George Washington President Gold Eagle, is one of the earliest examples of coinage in the United States and holds immense historical significance.