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The Most Valuable Auction Purchases by Famous Collectors
Auctions are where rare and valuable items find their new owners. From historical artifacts and luxury watches to fine art and classic cars, some of the world’s most renowned collectors have spent millions acquiring unique pieces.
So, what are the most valuable items ever sold at auction, and who bought them? Here’s a look at the most expensive and iconic collectibles in auction history.
1. The Most Valuable Art Auctions
Fine art consistently dominates high-value auctions, with masterpieces fetching record-breaking prices. Here are some of the most remarkable sales:
1.1 Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” – $450 Million
- Buyer: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
- Auction House: Christie’s, 2017
- Details: Painted in the early 1500s, this masterpiece became the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction, cementing Leonardo da Vinci’s status as an artistic icon.
1.2 Pablo Picasso’s “Les Femmes d’Alger” – $179.4 Million
- Buyer: Anonymous collector
- Auction House: Christie’s, 2015
- Details: This 1955 painting by Picasso was one of the most sought-after works of modern art, attracting fierce competition among collectors.
2. Historical and Cultural Artifacts
For collectors, historical manuscripts and artifacts represent not just valuable investments but also pieces of human history.
2.1 Codex Leicester – $30.8 Million
- Buyer: Bill Gates
- Auction House: Christie’s, 1994
- Details: This notebook, containing Leonardo da Vinci’s scientific writings, was digitized by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to make it publicly accessible.
2.2 Original Copy of the Magna Carta – $21.3 Million
- Buyer: David Rubenstein
- Auction House: Sotheby’s, 2007
- Details: One of the few remaining 1215 Magna Carta copies, which laid the foundation for modern legal systems, was acquired by American billionaire and philanthropist David Rubenstein.
3. Luxury Watches and Jewelry
For collectors who appreciate craftsmanship, luxury watches and rare gemstones are among the most prestigious auction categories.
3.1 Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime – $31 Million
- Buyer: Anonymous collector
- Auction House: Only Watch Auction, 2019
- Details: Known for its complex mechanism, this Patek Philippe piece set a new record for the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction.
3.2 The Pink Star Diamond Ring – $71.2 Million
- Buyer: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery
- Auction House: Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2017
- Details: A 59.6-carat pink diamond, one of the rarest gemstones in the world, became the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction.
4. Classic Cars at Record Prices
Some collectors are willing to spend millions on rare vintage cars, with Ferrari models frequently setting new records.
4.1 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – $48.4 Million
- Buyer: Anonymous collector
- Auction House: RM Sotheby’s, 2018
- Details: Widely regarded as one of the most iconic race cars of the 1960s, this Ferrari became the most expensive classic car ever auctioned.
4.2 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti – $35.7 Million
- Buyer: Anonymous collector
- Auction House: Artcurial Motorcars, 2016
- Details: This legendary racing car, used in prestigious events like Le Mans, remains one of the most valuable Ferraris ever sold.
5. Entertainment and Pop Culture Memorabilia
Hollywood and music memorabilia are in high demand, with fans and collectors paying enormous sums for legendary artifacts.
5.1 Marilyn Monroe’s “The Seven Year Itch” Dress – $4.6 Million
- Buyer: Debbie Reynolds
- Auction House: Profiles in History, 2011
- Details: The famous white dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in one of cinema’s most iconic moments became one of the most expensive film costumes ever auctioned.
5.2 Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Jacket – $1.8 Million
- Buyer: Milton Verret
- Auction House: Julien’s Auctions, 2011
- Details: The red-and-black leather jacket from Michael Jackson’s legendary music video remains one of the most valuable pieces of music memorabilia.
6. Discover High-Value Collectibles with Bidsee
Bidsee provides a trusted platform for collectors and investors to explore rare auction opportunities and acquire valuable pieces.
- Access a diverse catalog of art, jewelry, automobiles, and pop culture memorabilia.
- Participate in live auctions and secure the best deals.
- Enjoy a secure and transparent bidding process.
Join Bidsee today to explore the world’s most exclusive auctions and expand your own collection with rare, high-value pieces.
