25 Most Expensive NFTs Ever Sold: A Look at the Most Valuable Digital Artworks

25 Most Expensive NFTs Ever Sold: A Look at the Most Valuable Digital Artworks

I was surprised to learn about the very high prices paid for some NFT digital art. NFT stands for non-fungible token. For those unfamiliar, NFTs are digital assets stored on a blockchain.

I wanted to research and share the most expensive NFT sales. The prices for these virtual artworks are astronomical, running into the millions of dollars! These staggering numbers exceed classic physical paintings by famous artists like Van Gogh.

The list includes pixelated profile pictures and A.I-generated collections. While controversial, these record-breaking NFT sales signal the rising popularity of digital art as a status item amongst cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

I aim to present an eye-opening review of this cutting-edge NFT art marketplace’s most unbelievable auctions.

Join me on a tour through these digital works selling for sums once unimaginable for virtual creations. For NFT art collectors with means, prepare to be amazed!

1. The Merge – $91.8 Million 

The Merge is an NFT project by the mysterious Pak, an unidentified individual or group. This highly anticipated NFT was available for just 48 hours in December 2021.

The Merge was divided into units called “mass” and during the brief sale window, around 28,893 collectors purchased 295,417 mass units, making The Merge the world’s most valuable NFT.

It has a built-in scarcity – as time passes, each mass unit merges in a holder’s wallet, decreasing supply and increasing value to ultimately produce a single coin. When rare items like The Merge drop, the NFT community eagerly joins together to acquire these limited pieces. The intense demand and brief availability made The Merge a record-breaking NFT release.

2. Everyday’s: The First 5000 Days – $69.3 Million

The First 5000 Days is a groundbreaking NFT by digital artist Beeple, otherwise known as Mike Winkelmann. It comprises 5000 individual images Beeple created over 13 years of his career, both digitally and hand-drawn.

The compilation features pieces depicting public figures like Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump alongside pop culture icons and irreverent commentary. In 2021, this monumental NFT was auctioned by renowned fine art auction house Christie’s, garnering over $69 million.

Vignesh Sundaresan, also known as Metakovan, purchased the rights to this collage capturing Beeple’s artistic evolution over more than a decade. With subjects ranging from politics to pop culture, The First 5000 Days makes history as the first purely digital artwork offered by a major auction house. Its record-shattering sale price reflects the singular vision encapsulated in Beeple’s 13-year artistic journey.

3. Clock – $52.8 Million

Julian Assange & Martina Haris, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Clock NFT is a real-time tracker displaying the number of days Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been imprisoned since April 2019 for allegedly hacking US government systems.

This unique NFT was created by the anonymous artist(s) behind “The Merge,” Pak, with 100% of sales donated to the Wau Holland Foundation which aids Assange’s legal defence. In 2022, this symbolic NFT timer was purchased for 16,953 ETH by AssangeDAO, a decentralized group supporting Assange.

The Clock provides ongoing awareness of Assange’s incarceration and raises funds for his case through its sale.

With its real-time countdown of Assange’s detention, The Clock makes a statement through blockchain technology about transparency and freedom of information, which is integral to Wikileaks and Assange himself.

4. HUMAN ONE – $28.98 Million 

Beeple, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Human One is a pioneering NFT by Beeple that blends physical and digital elements. This piece features an astronaut displayed on a screen encased in a glass box.

Beeple will continuously update the virtual artwork over time, giving this fixed physical sculpture an ever-evolving digital dimension. Sold at Christie’s in November 2021 to web3 entrepreneur Ryan Zurrer, Human One represents a new frontier in multi-modal art.

With Beeple remotely altering the projected astronaut in perpetuity, Human One is a unique hybrid merging cutting-edge technology with traditional sculpture.

This first-of-its-kind NFT experiments with transforming static art into a living creation through its combination of physical and virtual that can be endlessly reimagined.

5. CryptoPunk #5822 – $23.7 million

CryptoPunk #5822 is the most valuable CryptoPunk NFT to date, setting records when it sold for 8,000 ETH in February 2022.

This rare “Alien” CryptoPunk, distinguished by its blue bandana, was originally purchased for just $1,641 by an anonymous buyer in 2017. Five years later, chain.com founder Deepak Thapliyal acquired CryptoPunk #5822 from another unnamed owner for its new historic price tag.

Created by Larva Labs, the CryptoPunks are among the first and most iconic NFT projects. The sale of bandana-clad Alien CryptoPunk #5822 for over 23 million dollars exemplifies these collectables’ meteoric rise in value and prominence in the NFT space.

Its combination of early CryptoPunk origins and scarce attributes cemented its status as the priciest punk sold so far.

6. CryptoPunk #7523 – $11.75 Million 

Copyleft, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the NFT world, a record-breaking sale occurred in the 2021 summer when one of the rare CryptoPunks was auctioned off for over 11 million dollars. The owner, SillyTuna, sold CryptoPunk #7523 through Sotheby’s auction house to an unnamed buyer.

This particular NFT surpassed previous sales to become the most expensive CryptoPunk ever resold. CryptoPunk #7523 was the only one designated as an “alien” that had the rare mask attribute.

Masks were only added to the collection because of the 2020 COVID pandemic, making them extraordinarily scarce.

The real-world significance of the mask coupled with its alien rarity gave #7523 unparalleled prestige in the NFT space, skyrocketing its value to $11.7 million and demonstrating how unique attributes can dramatically increase worth.

7. TPunk #3442 – $10.5 Million 

In the NFT world, there exists a set of pixelated characters called TPunks. One particular TPunk, #3442, depicts the figure of a joker. TPunks are unique as the first NFT project on the Tron blockchain, which uses the native token TRX (Tronix).

TPunk #3442 made headlines when it sold for a whopping 120 million TRX to Justin Sun, Tron’s founder. This NFT mimics the iconic DC character The Joker with its purple suit and green hair.

Its ties to a major blockchain founder and a beloved fictional villain made TPunk #3442 a highly coveted prize, driving up its value tremendously within the NFT space. The sale illustrates how scarcity, associations, and blockchain origins can exponentially increase an NFT’s worth.

8. CryptoPunk #4156 – $10.35 Million 

Brutau17, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The world of high-value NFTs continues to be dominated by CryptoPunks. The ape-like Punk #4156 stands out, selling for a staggering 4,160 ETH, over USD 7.5 million.

The owner “Punk4156” sold it anonymously, with the new owner yet unknown. What makes this NFT so special is that it is one of the 24 apes in the collection, #4156 is one of the only ones featuring blue headgear.

Its bandana attribute adds further rarity. The combination of its ape designation plus unusual accessories puts #4156 in an elite tier. As one of few apes with multiple rare traits, its value skyrocketed.

This demonstrates how certain qualities like accessories and species can exponentially increase worth among already scarce NFTs. CryptoPunks remain the apex of the NFT world.

9. CryptoPunk #5577 – $7.7 Million

The premier NFT collection CryptoPunks continues to boast astronomical sales, like CryptoPunk #5577 sold for 2,501 ETH in 2022 February. The buyer was Robert Leshner from Pipersville, Pennsylvania., founder of Compound Defi Protocol.

Of the mere apes, this particular Punk stands out for its brown hat – a rare accessory. While all apes fall into an elite CryptoPunk class, accessories like hats add further prestige.

As one of few accessorized apes, CryptoPunk #5577 commanded a premium price of over $7.7 million at the time of sale. This demonstrates how rare attributes like apparel exponentially increase value, even among already scarce NFTs.

CryptoPunk apes sit atop the NFT hierarchy, with unusual traits like CryptoPunk #5577’s hat solidifying their status as the most coveted and expensive NFTs available.

10. CryptoPunk #3100 – $7.58 Million

Within the elite CryptoPunk world, the rarest designation is the alien category. Of just 9 alien punks, number 3100 stands out for its blue and white headband – a coveted accessory.

In March 2021, this accessorized alien was sold for a staggering 3,000 ETH, valued at over $63 million. Though all 9 aliens command unbelievable prices due to extreme scarcity, accessories like #3100’s headband add prestige.

As one of the only aliens donning rare apparel, its value skyrocketed. This demonstrates how unusual attributes like accessories exponentially increase worth, even among the rarest NFT classes.

CryptoPunk aliens sit atop the NFT hierarchy, with #3100 cementing its status as one of the most valuable due to its dual-coloured headband.

11. CryptoPunk #7804 – $7.57 Million

The most expensive NFTs remain dominated by the CryptoPunks, like #7804 – one of just 9 alien punks. This alien sports a grey hat, black sunglasses, and a smoking pipe – all rare accessories.

In March 2021, #7804 was sold to American entrepreneur and Figma CEO Dylan Field. As one of few aliens with multiple accessories, #7804 sits atop the NFT hierarchy. Its coveted traits like the pipe and shades exponentially increased its value despite already being an ultra-rare alien.

CryptoPunks like #7804 exemplify how unusual attributes can drive up worth, even among the rarest NFT class.

12. Ringers #109: $7.1 million

Drflet12, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Art Blocks project gained renown through complex generative NFTs like Ringers #109 by Canadian Dmitri Cherniak, selling for over $7 million in 2021.

Ringers comprise 1000 NFTs generated from Cherniak’s p5js script. Ringer #109 possesses coveted attributes like an extra red colour, balanced wrap orientation, and rare loop style. Of all Ringers, only 0.31% have the red trait.

The balanced orientation and loop wrap also increase prestige. By featuring multiple scarce traits, Ringer #109 sits atop the Art Blocks hierarchy, exponentially boosting its value.

This demonstrates how programmatically generated but uniquely attributed NFTs can command top dollar amounts when rare traits align.

13. XCOPY, Right-click and Save As Guy: $7 million

Xcopy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The NFT world was shaken when XCOPY’s “Right-click and Save As” sold for a groundbreaking 1600 ETH, over $7 million, to “Cozomo de’ Medici” aka SNOOP DOGG.

This sarcastic piece pokes fun at critics who fail to grasp NFT value beyond right-click saving. The animated gif combines classical art with modern digital glitches, representing a clash of old and new.

Its commentary on NFT scepticism and unique stylistic blend gave it tremendous conceptual and cultural value beyond just a digital file.

The sale reinforced that coveted meanings and associations can outweigh intrinsic characteristics in the NFT space. XCOPY proved elite prices come not just from scarcity, but also deeper artistic significance.

14. CryptoPunk #8857 – $6.63 million

The premier NFT collection CryptoPunks continues to shatter sales records, like zombie CryptoPunk #8857 selling for 2000 ETH in 2022 December.

Of only 88 zombies, a scarce class, #8857 stands out with its wild hair and 3D glasses – rare traits. While all zombies gain prestige in the CryptoPunk ecosystem, accessories like glasses distinguish them further.

As one of few zombie punks with multiple distinctive attributes, #8857 commanded a premium price tag of over $6 million.

This exemplifies how unusual traits like hair and glasses exponentially boost value, even among already scarce NFT classes like zombies. CryptoPunks remain the pinnacle of NFT worth.

15. Beeple, Crossroad – $6.6 million

Beeple’s highly controversial NFT “Crossroad” captivated the art world by symbolizing the uncertain 2020 election. The piece, owned by Pablo Fraile, existed in two unrevealed versions – the final image depended on the victor.

This unpredictable gamble enticed buyer interest. Had Trump won, it would have depicted him ruling hell eternally. But with Biden’s victory, it showed Trump collapsing in defeat.

Crossroad’s bold political commentary and unpredictable nature gave it huge artistic significance. By uniquely capturing a pivotal cultural moment, Crossroad demonstrated NFT value derives not just from scarcity, but also from conceptual depth and real-world relevance.

16. XCOPY, All-Time High in the City: $6.2 million

Xcopy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

XCOPY’s abstract NFT All-Time High in the City sold for 1630 ETH in January 2022, over $6 million, to the collector @rarecollector3000.

The animated gif depicts two figures rowing across a dark, flickering river, evoking the mythical River Styx. XCOPY is known for these glitchy, sinister pieces. While scarce by nature of its supply, “All Time High in the City” derived value from deeper artistic elements.

Through obscure classical references and distortion effects, it provided cryptic commentary on the NFT space and human nature.

This demonstrates elite NFT worth comes not just from rarity, but also from stylistic innovation and embedded meaning. XCOPY reinforces conceptual depth outweighs intrinsic properties.

17. Dmitri Cherniak, Ringers #879: $6.2 Million

Dmitri Cherniak’s generative NFT Ringers #879 sold for over $6 million to top investor “6529”, surpassing its auction price. Cherniak is renowned for algorithmic art that evokes emotion.

Its value derives from the automated nature of its creation – the visuals were generated algorithmically, giving an illusion of life.

By exemplifying cutting-edge generative art, “Ringers #879” demonstrated elite NFT worth comes not just from scarcity but innovation. Its technical sophistication supplemented its emotional resonance.

18. Free Ross: $6.12 Million

U.S. Department of Justice; U.S. State Department, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ross Ulbricht’s first NFT collection, featuring prison art and writings, made headlines when his inaugural piece “FreeRoss” sold for over $6 million in late 2021.

The sale supported legal funds and Art4Giving, a charity Ulbricht founded to aid incarcerated people. This collection uniquely provided intimate insights into Ulbricht’s life journey from childhood to inmate.

“FreeRoss” specifically depicted his perspective at age 36 while imprisoned. By giving visibility to incarceration issues and Ulbricht himself, the sale exemplified NFT value coming not just from scarcity but cultural significance.

Ulbricht proved conceptual depth and real-world impact can outweigh intrinsic properties.

19. XCOPY, A Coin for the Ferryman: $6.02 Million

Xcopy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

XCOPY’s early NFT “A Coin For The Ferryman” sold for a staggering 1330 ETH in 2021, over $6 million, to @jpeggy – a huge increase from its 2018 mint price of 0.050 ETH.

The animated gif features XCOPY’s signature flickering aesthetic. It depicts abstract figures and coins referencing the mythological ferryman Charon. While scarce in supply, its value is also derived from conceptual depth by incorporating classical underworld themes.

As an early example of XCOPY’s obscure, glitchy style, it demonstrated elite NFT worth comes not just from rarity but also stylistic innovation and cultural commentary. The sale proved age and artistic significance supplement scarcity.

20. Beeple, Everyday Ocean Front #4344: $6 Million

Beeple’s “Ocean Front” sold to Tron’s Justin Sun for $6 million, with proceeds donated to climate nonprofit Open Earth Foundation.

The NFT uniquely captures environmental stakes – a tilted tree and mushrooms stand amidst containers floating in an oil-slicked sea. By portraying climate decay, “Ocean Front” derived value not just from scarcity but as a symbolic call to action.

Its promotion of social impact supplemented its visual innovation. This demonstrates elite NFT worth comes from blending conceptual depth, real-world commentary, and stylistic originality.

Beeple proved cultural significance and activism can outweigh intrinsic properties.

21. CryptoPunk # 5217: $5.45 Million

The premier Punks collection continues to achieve record sales, like CryptoPunk # 5217 sold for over $ 5.45 million.

This accessorized ape sports a rare wool hat and gold chain – coveted traits among the mere 24 apes. While all apes hold prestige within the Punk ecosystem, accessories like CryptoPunk # 5217’s hat and chain place it in an elite tier.

As one of the few embellished apes, its value skyrocketed despite already being part of the scarce ape class. CryptoPunk sales like this demonstrate how unusual attributes like clothing can exponentially boost worth, even among the rarest NFT subgroups.

22. Stay Free: $5.4 Million

The NFT “Stay Free” depicting whistleblower Edward Snowden sold for $5.4 million in 2021, with proceeds benefiting the Freedom of the Press Foundation. It features Snowden’s portrait cleverly assembled from pages of his court case.

This unique piece pays tribute to his contributions exposing unlawful surveillance while calling for an ongoing fight for rights. By commemorating a pivotal figure and moment in civil liberties, “Stay Free” derived value not just from scarcity but deeper cultural symbolism.

Its real-world commentary and activism supplemented its visual innovation. This sale-reinforced NFT’s worth comes from blending conceptual depth and social impact.

23. Tim Berners-Lee, World Wide Web Source Code: $5.4 Million

Paul Clarke, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The NFT “World Wide Web Source Code” made history in 2021 as an archive of Tim Berners-Lee‘s original web files from 1990-91.

This unprecedented collection contained 9,555 lines of Bernard-Lee’s code, a video visualization, a poster, and a letter – essentially the web’s genesis. More than just scarce digital items, these artefacts uniquely capture the dawn of the internet era through its very building blocks.

By offering insider access to such a culturally transformational invention, this NFT derived immense value from its unparalleled technical and historical significance. The sale reinforced that intellectual depth and real-world impact can be more valuable than intrinsic properties.

24. CryptoPunk #7252: $5.33 Million

With battle-red eyes, hair, a golden earring, and a beard, this crypto is one of only 9 aliens within the CryptoPunks collection.

First purchased for $2.5 million, the crypto’s owner resold it in August 2021 for $5.33 million, making for a very profitable investment.

This particular punk is unique as one of just 9 alien cryptos among the broader CryptoPunks series.

25. CryptoPunk # 2338: $4.32M

The CryptoPunks collection dominates the NFT market as the highest-priced series available. This particular punk, #2338, is one of only 88 zombies within the collection of 10,000.

With just a thin Mohawk – he is also one of only 4 zombies to sport a hawk hairstyle. As a rare zombie crypto with a distinguishing feature, #2338 carries added value compared to other punks.

Whew, what a rollercoaster ride through the outrageous NFT art market! Love or hate these pixelated prized pieces, their mega price tags prove digital artworks now rival fine art’s upper echelon.

But don’t let sticker shock deter you – with the NFT space expanding exponentially, intriguing opportunities await savvy collectors.

While these records may soon be broken, this glimpse into the burgeoning world of multimillion-dollar NFTs reveals an emerging marketplace where virtual values overtake physical works.

However the bubble bursts, NFTs undoubtedly represent crypto’s next frontier – where hype overflows and prices make heads spin! Buckle up for the ride.