10 Most Expensive NFTs Ever Sold in the Market
NFTs have been all the rage, with some fetching unbelievable prices. You’ve probably wondered: What’s the most expensive NFT ever sold?
That would be The Merge by Pak, which went for a jaw-dropping $91 million.
Let’s examine the top 10 most expensive NFTs, explore their stories, and explore who bought them and how you could acquire similar pieces.
History of NFTs
NFTs first popped up in 2014, but they didn’t become a sensation until the boom of 2020-2021.
They represent unique digital assets on the blockchain, offering verifiable ownership of everything from art and music to virtual real estate. As the market matured, collectors started to see the long-term potential, pushing prices sky-high.
Why Are NFTs So Popular?
It’s the combination of rarity, ownership, and digital flexing that drives the appeal. NFTs are a way to own one-of-a-kind digital items, and blockchain technology guarantees their authenticity.
As more metaverse projects and digital communities pop up, NFTs are becoming a staple for those who want to be part of the next big thing in digital culture.
NFT Market in 2024
In 2024, the NFT market will have cooled a bit compared to the wild days of 2021, but it’s far from dead. We’re seeing more practical uses for NFTs, and the big-ticket sales are still making headlines.
The focus is now on sustainable projects that provide real value, making NFTs a fixture in both the digital and investment worlds.
10 Most Expensive NFTs Ever Sold
Let’s get into the top 10 priciest NFTs ever, along with the details of who bought them and how you can buy something similar:
1. The Merge – $91 Million
Pak’s The Merge holds the crown as the most expensive NFT ever sold. Unlike most NFTs, this one was unique because it was sold as fragmented pieces to multiple buyers, creating a collective ownership model. This sale brought in a whopping $91 million in December 2021.
- Price: $91 Million
- Who Bought It: Over 28,000 buyers pooled their funds to collectively own this piece by Pak.
- How to Buy: You can still buy fragmented ownership in similar NFTs on platforms like Nifty Gateway or explore other Pak artworks.
2. Everydays: The First 5000 Days – $69 Million
Beeple’s Everydays: The First 5000 Days is basically the Mona Lisa of NFTs. This digital collage is made up of 5,000 daily images created over 13 years. When it sold for $69 million in March 2021, it not only put Beeple on the map but also turned digital art into a mainstream investment.
- Price: $69 Million
- Who Bought It: Crypto investor Vignesh Sundaresan (aka MetaKovan) won this historic bid at Christie’s.
- How to Buy: Beeple’s works can be found on platforms like MakersPlace and Christie’s. Keep an eye on auction houses for future drops.
3. Clock – $52 Million
Clock, created by Pak and Julian Assange, is more than just art—it’s a political statement. This NFT serves as a live counter, tracking the days Assange has been imprisoned. It was created to raise funds for his legal defense, bringing in $52 million.
- Price: $52 Million
- Who Bought It: AssangeDAO, a decentralized organization, purchased it to support Assange.
- How to Buy: Similar activist-driven NFTs can be found on platforms like OpenSea or by joining DAOs with a shared mission.
4. Human One – $28 Million
Beeple’s Human One is a first-of-its-kind dynamic NFT, blending both physical and digital art. This rotating 3D sculpture, housed in a box, is designed to evolve over time, making it a living piece of art. It sold for $28 million at Christie’s in November 2021.
- Price: $28 Million
- Who Bought It: An anonymous buyer picked this up at Christie’s auction.
- How to Buy: Beeple’s NFTs are still highly sought after and occasionally listed on platforms like Christie’s or Sotheby’s.
5. CryptoPunk #5822 – $23 Million
CryptoPunks are the OG NFTs, and CryptoPunk #5822 is one of the rarest out there. This alien punk was snatched up for $23 million by Chain CEO Deepak Thapliyal in February 2022. It’s one of just nine alien punks, making it extremely valuable.
- Price: $23 Million
- Who Bought It: Deepak Thapliyal, CEO of Chain, purchased it.
- How to Buy: Other CryptoPunks can be found on Larva Labs or OpenSea, but prices vary depending on rarity.
6. CryptoPunk #3100 – $16 Million
Another alien punk, CryptoPunk #3100, holds a special place in the NFT world. With its iconic headband, this punk was sold for $16 million in March 2021, making it one of the most valuable NFTs of its kind.
- Price: $16 Million
- Who Bought It: An anonymous buyer added this to their collection.
- How to Buy: Look for available CryptoPunks on Larva Labs or OpenSea, though most high-value punks are held by long-term investors.
7. CryptoPunk #7523 – $11 Million
Also known as “Covid Alien,” CryptoPunk #7523 sold for $11 million at Sotheby’s. This punk stands out not just for its alien design but also for the medical mask it wears, making it a symbol of the pandemic era.
- Price: $11 Million
- Who Bought It: Israeli entrepreneur Shalom Meckenzie purchased this punk.
- How to Buy: Sotheby’s and other auction houses occasionally feature rare CryptoPunks, but most trading happens on Larva Labs.
8. TPunk #3442 – $10 Million
TPunk #3442 is Tron’s version of CryptoPunks, and it made waves when Tron founder Justin Sun bought this Joker-faced punk for $10 million in August 2021. The purchase cemented TPunks as a key player in the NFT space.
- Price: $10 Million
- Who Bought It: Justin Sun, founder of Tron, purchased it.
- How to Buy: TPunks are available on the Tron blockchain and can be traded through the official TPunk platform.
9. CryptoPunk #4156 – $10 Million
CryptoPunk #4156 originally sold for $1.25 million before flipping for $10 million in December 2021. This punk’s distinctive blue bandana and minimalist vibe have made it a favorite among collectors.
- Price: $10 Million
- Who Bought It: An anonymous investor made this purchase.
- How to Buy: You can find similar CryptoPunks on Larva Labs and OpenSea.
10. CryptoPunk #5577 – $7 Million
Rounding out the list is CryptoPunk #5577, which was sold for $7 million. With its cowboy hat and rugged appeal, this punk embodies the wild west of the NFT market.
- Price: $7 Million
- Who Bought It: An investor focused on rare, unique assets purchased this piece.
- How to Buy: You can still buy CryptoPunks on Larva Labs or OpenSea, where these iconic NFTs remain in high demand.
Conclusion
NFTs have redefined digital ownership, with these sales showing just how far collectors will go to snag a unique piece of history. Whether you’re in it for the flex or the investment, NFTs are here to stay.
FAQ – Most Expensive NFT
Are any NFTs still valuable?
Yes, plenty of NFTs still hold value, especially those tied to big names, rare traits, or projects with solid communities.
Why are NFTs expensive?
The high cost comes from rarity, demand, and the prestige of owning something that’s truly one-of-a-kind in the digital world.
How much can 1 NFT cost?
It varies a lot—some sell for a few bucks, while others go for millions, depending on factors like the creator, rarity, and hype.
Is NFT safe in the US?
Yes, NFTs are legally allowed in the US. However, like any investment, it’s crucial to do your research and be aware of the risks involved.
How many people can own 1 NFT?
Usually, it’s one person per NFT, but there are projects (like The Merge) that allow fractional ownership, where multiple people share the asset.
