The Top 10 Most Expensive Antique Items Sold at Auction: A Look Back in Time
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Antiques have always fascinated collectors and enthusiasts alike. These timeless items provide a glimpse into the past, showcasing the craftsmanship and beauty of eras long gone. Auction houses around the world regularly host sales featuring rare and valuable antique pieces, attracting buyers from all corners of the globe. In this article, we will take a closer look at ten of the most expensive antique items ever sold at auction, providing insight into their historical significance and the stories behind them.
1. Pink Star Diamond (59.60 carats)
The Pink Star Diamond holds the record for being the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction. This stunning pink diamond weighs a remarkable 59.60 carats and was sold for a staggering $71.2 million in 2017. Mined in Africa, this rare diamond is truly a one-of-a-kind piece.
2. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication Watch
Considered one of the most complicated timepieces ever created, the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication watch fetched an astonishing $24 million at auction. Made in 1933, this pocket watch boasts a remarkable 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a celestial chart.
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3. Badminton Cabinet
The Badminton Cabinet is a masterpiece of European furniture craftsmanship. Created in the early 18th century, this incredible cabinet was sold for a jaw-dropping $36 million. Adorned with intricate marquetry, precious stones, and gilt bronze, it is considered one of the greatest pieces of furniture ever made.
4. Garçon à la Pipe by Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso's Garçon à la Pipe is one of his most famous paintings. Depicting a young boy holding a pipe, this artwork was sold for a staggering $104 million. Painted during Picasso's Rose Period, this masterpiece showcases the artist's exceptional talent and unique style.
5. Card Players by Paul Cézanne
Paul Cézanne's Card Players is a series of five paintings depicting men playing cards. One version of this series was sold for an astounding $250 million, making it one of the most expensive artworks ever sold. Known for his innovative approach to composition and form, Cézanne is considered one of the pioneers of modern art.
6. Pink Legacy Diamond (18.96 carats)
The Pink Legacy Diamond is another remarkable gemstone that fetched a staggering price at auction. Weighing 18.96 carats, this vivid pink diamond was sold for $50.4 million. Its exceptional color and flawless clarity make it a truly rare and valuable piece.
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7. "Action Comics #1" - First Superman Comic
"Action Comics #1" is the comic book that introduced the world to Superman. Published in 1938, this iconic comic book marked the beginning of the superhero genre. A near-mint condition copy of "Action Comics #1" was sold for an incredible $3.2 million, making it the most expensive comic book ever sold.
8. Blue Moon Diamond (12.03 carats)
The Blue Moon Diamond is a stunning blue diamond known for its exceptional clarity and intense color. Weighing 12.03 carats, this rare gemstone was sold for a jaw-dropping $48.5 million. Its mesmerizing beauty and rarity make it a highly sought-after collector's item.
9. The Rothschild Prayerbook
The Rothschild Prayerbook is a medieval manuscript richly decorated with intricate illustrations and illuminations. Created in the early 16th century, this extraordinary prayer book was sold for $13.4 million. It is considered one of the most important surviving examples of Flemish manuscript illumination.
10. The Guennol Lioness
The Guennol Lioness is a small limestone sculpture dating back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. This exquisite artifact was sold for an astounding $57.2 million, making it the most expensive sculpture ever sold at auction. The lioness represents the rich cultural heritage of the region and serves as a testament to the skill of its ancient craftsmen.
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These ten items represent the pinnacle of antique collecting, showcasing the immense value placed on historical artifacts. From rare gemstones to masterfully crafted furniture and artworks, each piece tells a unique story and provides a fascinating glimpse into our shared human history. As collectors continue to search for these extraordinary treasures, the allure of antiques will undoubtedly endure, ensuring that these exceptional items remain highly sought after for generations to come.
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