The Most Expensive NFTs Sold

The NFT market has witnessed astonishing price levels, with digital artworks, collectibles, and blockchain assets fetching millions. 

If you've been curious about which NFTs have the highest price tags and the reasons behind their significant worth, here's an in-depth look at the eight largest sales on record.

If you're wondering where to buy NFTs, check out our list of the top marketplaces available.

Priciest NFTs Ever Sold (ranked)

1. The Merge by Pak – $91.8M

When Pak, one of the most mysterious and groundbreaking digital artists in the NFT realm, launched The Merge, it broke records. 

This NFT didn’t merely change hands for an astonishing $91.8 million – it was also distinctive in its design. Unlike a conventional NFT, which a single individual holds, The Merge was divided into fractions, meaning it was shared among 28,983 purchasers who bought over 300,000 units, known as “mass.”

The value of The Merge stemmed from Pak’s standing in the digital art community and its evolving nature. The more mass a person owned, the bigger their share became. This created a gamified aspect that motivated collectors to acquire more. This pioneering strategy redefined the notion of digital art ownership, demonstrating that NFTs could serve as both a collective experience and a valuable investment.

2. Everydays: The First 5000 Days – $69M

Beeple, a digital artist who has consistently created and shared new artwork daily for over 13 years, transformed these creations into a single NFT titled Everyday: The First 5000 Days. The piece sold for $69 million at Christie’s in March 2021, establishing a record for NFT sales and validating digital art in the traditional auction arena.

The value of this NFT stems from its extensive scale and narrative. Beeple’s 5000 artworks document cultural moments, political commentary, and technological progress, serving as a time capsule of contemporary history. 

The purchaser, MetaKovan, viewed it as the ultimate embodiment of the future of digital art. He later remarked that the piece signifies a change in how art is appraised in the digital age and symbolizes the democratization of art ownership.

3. Clock – $52.7M

This NFT, designed by Pak and Julian Assange, is far from a conventional digital art piece. Instead, Clock serves as a political commentary. It is, quite literally, a ticking clock that tracks the number of days Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, has been incarcerated.

The NFT was sold to generate funds for Assange’s legal defense. AssangeDAO, a decentralized collective of supporters who gathered resources to make the purchase, placed the winning bid. Fetching $52.7 million, Clock showcased how NFTs can be leveraged for activism and fundraising rather than merely for art and collectibles.

This NFT transcended being just a collectible; it represented the struggle for freedom of information and the battle against governmental censorship, marking it as one of history's most distinctive and purpose-driven NFT sales.

4. Human One – $28.9M

This NFT, designed by Pak and Julian Assange, is far from a conventional digital art piece. Instead, Clock serves as a political commentary. It is, quite literally, a ticking clock that tracks the number of days Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks, has been incarcerated.

The NFT was sold to generate funds for Assange’s legal defense. AssangeDAO, a decentralized collective of supporters who gathered resources to make the purchase, placed the winning bid. Fetching $52.7 million, Clock showcased how NFTs can be leveraged for activism and fundraising, rather than merely for art and collectibles.

This NFT transcended being just a collectible; it represented the struggle for freedom of information and the battle against governmental censorship, marking it as one of history's most distinctive and purpose-driven NFT sales.

5. CryptoPunk #5822 – $23M

CryptoPunks, developed by Larva Labs, are some of the most well-known NFTs. CryptoPunk #5822 set the record for the highest price ever paid for a Punk, fetching an astonishing $23.7 million.

What contributed to its high value? 

Its scarcity. 

It is part of the highly coveted “Alien” category, only 9 out of 10,000 CryptoPunks fall into this group. The purchaser, Deepak Thapliyal, CEO of Chain, regarded it as a symbol of prestige within the NFT community.

CryptoPunk is comparable to owning a digital Rolex—it represents status and an early embrace of blockchain culture. 

6. CryptoPunk #7523 – $12M

Another uncommon Alien Punk, CryptoPunk #7523, was auctioned at Sotheby’s for $11.75 million. This particular piece was notable for including a medical mask, symbolizing a significant moment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purchaser, Israeli businessman Shalom Meckenzie, regarded it as a historical artifact that signifies a distinctive historical period. Its blend of rarity and cultural importance contributed to it becoming one of the most desired CryptoPunks in the NFT marketplace.

7. TPunk #3442 – $10.5M

In contrast to Cryptopunks, TPunks serve as an alternative to the Tron blockchain; however, TPunk #3442 sold for an impressive $10.5 million. The purchaser? Justin Sun, the founder of Tron, subsequently donated it to charity, turning it into more of a charitable action than a financial investment.

This transaction demonstrated that the NFT culture extends beyond mere rarity, encompassing influence and brand identity. It also emphasized the significance of NFTs across various blockchain networks, confirming that demand is present beyond just Ethereum-based assets.

8. CryptoPunk #4156 – $10M

The last recorded sale on our list, CryptoPunk #4156, fetched $10.26 million. This particular Punk is distinguished by its resemblance to an ape, serving as an early influence on the rise of the Bored Ape Yacht Club’s fame.

Notably, the previous owner, recognized as Punk4156, was a prominent NFT influencer who ultimately sold the piece due to conflicts with Larva Labs regarding NFT licensing agreements. This transaction highlighted ongoing discussions surrounding intellectual property rights within the NFT realm, marking a significant event in the history of NFTs.

The Reasons Why Some NFTs Can Be Expensive

Scarcity and rarity

Just like traditional art, rare NFTs are more valuable. The fewer copies available, the more collectors want them. Many NFT collections have a limited supply, which drives up demand.

For example, only 10,000 CryptoPunks exist. Of these, only 9 are “Alien” punks, which is why CryptoPunk #5822 sold for $23.7M.

Unlike traditional currency, the scarcity factor is coded into the blockchain, meaning these NFTs cannot be duplicated or inflated.

Ownership and provenance

NFTs offer confirmed proof of ownership through the use of blockchain technology. When you purchase an NFT, you can trace its full history to the original creator, guaranteeing its authenticity.

Collectors and investors frequently consider the past owners of an NFT—if a prominent collector owned it, its value increases even more.

Cultural and historical significance

NFTs have the ability to embody cultural moments, transforming them into significant digital artifacts. Certain NFTs are connected to particular events, artists, or movements, elevating them beyond digital collectibles. Much like how conventional art carries historical importance (for instance, Banksy’s protest works), NFTs that possess cultural significance acquire additional meaning.

Speculation and investment potential

Numerous individuals purchase NFTs as speculative investments, anticipating that their worth will increase in the future. Those who adopt early and investors inflate prices by wagering on potential future demand.

Utility and exclusivity

Some NFTs go beyond digital art, they grant exclusive benefits like VIP access, special privileges, or even passive income. This added utility makes them more attractive to buyers.

NFTs with real-world applications, such as gaming assets (Axie Infinity, Otherside) or metaverse land (Decentraland, Sandbox), also hold long-term value.

Celebrity and influencer influence

Well-known endorsements frequently drive up NFT prices. When famous figures or key influencers invest in a collection, it enhances demand and trustworthiness.

Support from celebrities has amplified the excitement around NFTs, similar to how sneaker culture operates, where a brand like Nike increases its worth through endorsements from athletes.

Final Thoughts

NFTs are not solely costly because they are digital images; their worth stems from their scarcity, ownership secured by blockchain, cultural significance, and financial speculation. The future high prices of these assets will hinge on technological advancements, market dynamics, and their integration into practical, real-world uses.