20 Most Expensive NFT Sales in History You Should Know About

Since the inception of the first NFT in 2014, the world of digital art has undergone a remarkable transformation. Projects like CryptoKitties, Rare Pepes, and CryptoPunks have not only transformed the creative landscape but also revolutionized the industry's financial prospects. As a result, NFT sales have surged to unprecedented heights, with numerous iconic pieces fetching millions of dollars.

This article presents a compilation of the 20 most expensive NFT art sales to date. From renowned visionary artists to historic milestones, these sales have captivated the attention of collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. In each section, we dive into the details of the respective NFT sale, discussing the sale price, the significance of the artwork, and the impact it had on the NFT ecosystem. 

Note: The content of this article is based on extensive research and up-to-date information. We’re only exploring the most significant single NFT sales. Prices and details may be subject to change as new sales occur. As things change rapidly in Web3, we’ll update this article with new entries as even bigger NFT sales go down.

The Top 20 Most Expensive NFTs Ever Sold

20. Edward Snowden, Stay Free
19. Beeple, Ocean Front
18. XCOPY, A Coin for the Ferryman
17. Ross Ulbricht, FreeRoss
16. Dmitri Cherniak, Ringers #879
15. XCOPY, All Time High in the City
14. Beeple, Crossroad
13. CryptoPunk #8857
12. XCOPY, Right-click and Save As Guy
11. Dmitri Cherniak, Ringers #109
10. CryptoPunk #7804
9. CryptoPunk #3100
8. CryptoPunk #5577
7. CryptoPunk #4156
6. Tpunk #3442
5. CryptoPunk #7523
4. CryptoPunk #5822
3. Beeple, Human One
2. Julian Assange and Pak, Clock
1. Beeple, Everydays: The First 5000 Days

Let’s explore each of these pricey digital artworks in more details:

20. Edward Snowden, Stay Free

In April 2021, National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden's artwork, "Stay Free," was sold to PleasrDAO for $5.4 million (2224 ETH). The proceeds from the sale were dedicated to supporting the Freedom of the Press Foundation.

Why it holds immense value: The significance of this NFT extends beyond its monetary value. Its creation preceded similar initiatives aimed at supporting high-profile prisoners such as Ross Ulbricht and Julian Assange in their fight for freedom.

Visually, the token captures Snowden's essence through a striking Platon portrait meticulously crafted from the court documents that defined the groundbreaking ruling against the National Security Agency's unlawful mass surveillance. This artistic representation symbolizes the triumph of justice and the fight for privacy rights.

19. Beeple, Ocean Front

In March 2021, Beeple's "Ocean Front" NFT was acquired by Chinese cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun for $6 million (3529 ETH). The sale proceeds were donated to the Open Earth Foundation.

Why it holds immense value: As part of Beeple's esteemed "Everydays" series, "Ocean Front" carries a powerful message about addressing the climate crisis together. This NFT was part of The Carbon Drop collection, launched by Nifty Gateway and the Open Earth Foundation, aimed at offsetting the environmental impact associated with NFT minting.

18. XCOPY, A Coin for the Ferryman

XCOPY's "A Coin for the Ferryman" NFT fetched $6.02 million (1330 ETH) in November 2021, purchased by SuperRare user jpeggy, who also owns XCOPY's EVADER.

Why it holds immense value: "A Coin for the Ferryman" represents an important milestone in XCOPY's career as a crypto-artist. Initially sold for $139 in 2018, this piece gained renewed attention and speculation in November 2021 when the price of Ether reached an all-time high. The sale demonstrated the long-term value and significance of 1/1 NFTs as crypto prices continued to rise.

17. Ross Ulbricht, FreeRoss

Ross Ulbricht's first-ever NFT, "FreeRoss," was auctioned for a staggering $6.12 million (1489 ETH) in December 2021. The proceeds from the sale supported efforts to free Ulbricht from prison and establish the Art4Giving donor-advised fund for the incarcerated and their families.

Why it holds immense value: As the creator of the infamous online black market Silk Road, Ross Ulbricht is an integral part of blockchain tech history. The sale of "FreeRoss" through the Ross Ulbricht Genesis NFT Collection, in collaboration with the FreeRossDAO, marked a unique way to commemorate Ulbricht's legacy and support his fight for freedom.

16. Dmitri Cherniak, Ringers #879

Dmitri Cherniak's "Ringers #879," affectionately known as "The Goose," first sold for nearly $6 million in August 2021. It later changed hands in June 2023 when it was purchased by Punk6529 through Sotheby's Grails: Part II auction for over $6.2 million.

Why it holds immense value: Cherniak's Ringers collection, consisting of 1,000 NFTs, gained immense popularity and critical acclaim within the NFT ecosystem. Considered a beloved collection from Art Blocks Curated, owning a Ringers NFT is seen as a symbol of status and a bet on the future of generative NFT art. "The Goose" stands out with its captivating visual identity and rarity, with an animal shape emerging from the generative randomness.

15. XCOPY, All Time High in the City

XCOPY's "All Time High in the City" NFT was sold for $6.2 million (1630 ETH) in January 2022 to rarecollector3000. The animated artwork, minted in 2018, portrays the ferryman of the underworld transporting a man across the river Styx.

Why it holds immense value: XCOPY's dark, abstract, and dystopian illustrations have become synonymous with the NFT ecosystem. "All Time High in the City" showcases XCOPY's signature style, incorporating motion, flickering, and glitching effects. The artist's work has influenced countless creators, making it a staple in the digital art world.

14. Beeple, Crossroad

Beeple's "Crossroad" NFT, initially minted in October 2020, was sold for $6.6 million in a transaction involving influential collector Pablo Fraile. The artwork gained additional prominence when it found a new home with an anonymous collector known as anonymous10.

Why it holds immense value: "Crossroad" gained widespread attention as a political commentary piece during the 2020 presidential race. Beeple created multiple versions of the artwork, reflecting the political tensions in the United States. The sale of "Crossroad" highlighted the growing impact of NFTs and their ability to capture cultural moments and spark conversations.

13. CryptoPunk #8857

CryptoPunk #8857 was sold for an impressive $6.63 million (2000 ETH) on September 11, 2021. This sale was part of a series of transactions that occurred throughout the summer and fall of that year.

Why it holds immense value: Zombie CryptoPunks have gained significant popularity in the NFT world. As one of the earliest NFT collections, CryptoPunks holds historical importance. Additionally, only 88 zombie CryptoPunks exist, adding to their scarcity. The sale of CryptoPunk #8857 was fueled by a legendary single-day sale where prominent NFT collector Keyboard Monkey bought a zombie Punk and resold it within 24 hours, making nearly a million-dollar profit. This event marked a peak in zombie NFT trading and attracted attention to the market.

12. XCOPY, Right-click and Save As Guy

XCOPY's "Right-click and Save As Guy" NFT was sold for an impressive $7 million (1600 ETH) on December 9, 2021.

Why it holds immense value: "Right-click and Save As Guy" holds a special place in the history of NFTs. Created years ago, in December 2018, it gained significant recognition when it was featured on BBC World News shortly after Beeple's groundbreaking Everydays auction. The sale of this iconic artwork marked a remarkable increase in its value, showcasing the growing appreciation for NFTs in the art world.

11. Dmitri Cherniak, Ringers #109

Ringers #109, from Dmitri Cherniak's Ringers project, sold for a staggering $7.1 million (2100 ETH) in October 2021. This sale further solidified the importance of the Art Blocks project and its contribution to the NFT space.

Why it holds immense value: Ringers was one of the pioneering projects of 2021, known for its significance in the NFT ecosystem. As one of the most popular Art Blocks Curated collections, Ringers faced controversy regarding its original inspiration. Nevertheless, the sale of Ringers #109 generated significant discourse around plagiarism in the blockchain and the integrity of crypto-art. The intricate design and complexity of this particular ringer added to its desirability and increased its value.

10. CryptoPunk #7804

CryptoPunk #7804, one of the major alien Punks, was sold on March 11, 2021, for a staggering $7.56 million (4200 ETH). This sale marked a significant milestone in the CryptoPunk ecosystem.

Why it holds immense value: Punk #7804 possesses rare traits, including being one of only nine aliens in existence. However, the significance of this sale goes beyond its price. Shortly after the transaction, the emergence of NFT collector and social media influencer Peruggia brought additional attention to the CryptoPunk market. This sale showcased the continued fascination and demand for unique and rare CryptoPunks.

9. CryptoPunk #3100

On March 11, 2021, CryptoPunk #3100, the last on-chain alien Punk sale of 2021, was sold. This Punk holds significant value and rarity within the CryptoPunk collection.

Why it holds immense value: CryptoPunk #3100 is one of the nine alien Punks, making it a coveted and influential piece. Although this particular Punk did not gain a significant social media presence, its scarcity and unique characteristics contribute to its value in the market.

8. CryptoPunk #5577

Cowboy-hat-wearing CryptoPunk was sold for $7.7 million (2501 ETH) in February 2022 to Robert Leshner, CEO of Compound Finance.

Why it holds immense value: With its cowboy hat and distinctive features, CryptoPunk #5577 stands out among the 142 Punks wearing cowboy hats and the limited set of 24 Ape Punks. As Ape Punks gain popularity in the NFT market dominated by Bored Apes, high-profile trades like the sale of #5577 contribute to the evolving landscape of CryptoPunk values.

7. CryptoPunk #4156

On December 9, 2021, CryptoPunk #4156 was sold for an impressive $10.2 million. As for the previous ones, this particular sale gained immense attention and marked a significant moment in the CryptoPunk ecosystem.

Why it holds immense value: CryptoPunk #4156 holds a unique position as a widely recognized NFT within the community. The bandana-wearing Ape Punk became synonymous with the personality of influential NFT influencer and builder Punk4156. The sale of #4156 marked the end of an era and signified a turning point in the CryptoPunk ecosystem. The transaction raised questions about copyright policies and led to a decline in Punk prices.

6. Tpunk #3442

The rare "Joker" Tpunk, known as #3442, was purchased by TRON founder Justin Sun in August 2021 for a significant sum of 120 million TRX. However, in 2023, Sun faced legal issues as the SEC charged him and his companies with fraud and securities law violations.

Why it holds immense value: The Tpunks collection draws inspiration from the famous CryptoPunks collection and features 10,000 avatars on the Tron blockchain. As a derivative project, Tpunks holds a prominent position in the top tier of NFT derivatives.

5. CryptoPunk #7523

CryptoPunk #7523, also known as the "COVID Alien" due to its distinctive facemask trait, achieved the title of the largest Punk sale in 2021. The exact sale price is not reflected on the blockchain as it occurred through Sotheby's Natively Digital auction in June.

Why it holds immense value:  The original minter of #7523, known as Straybits, and its second owner, Sillytuna, who supplied it for auction, are both influential figures within the NFT community. The sale of #7523 was considered a significant win for the NFT ecosystem, contributing to the mainstream adoption and recognition of NFTs as valuable digital assets.

4. CryptoPunk #5822

CryptoPunk #5822 holds the title of the most expensive CryptoPunk ever sold, reaching a staggering price of $23.7 million (8000 ETH) on February 12, 2022. The buyer, Deepak Thapliyal, CEO of Chain, proudly shared an image of his acquired Punk after the purchase.

Why it holds immense value: As one of the rarest Punks in the collection, with only nine aliens in existence, CryptoPunk #5822 was destined to command a high price in the market due to its scarcity and uniqueness.

3. Beeple, Human One

Beeple's "Human One" NFT achieved a remarkable sale price of $28.9 million on November 9, 2021. The auction took place as part of Christie's 21st Century Evening Sale, and the buyer was entrepreneur Ryan Zurrer.

Why it holds immense value: "Human One" stands out as an extraordinary NFT, representing a significant milestone for both Beeple and the entire NFT market. It marked the first-ever physical piece by the acclaimed artist, and the NFT and electronic sculpture were auctioned as a single lot. Christie's involvement in the sale further validated NFTs as true works of art, solidifying Beeple's position as one of the most influential artists in the NFT space.

2. Julian Assange and Pak, Clock

In February 2022, Julian Assange and Pak's "Clock" NFT became the second-most expensive single NFT ever sold, reaching a staggering price of $52.7 million (16593 ETH). The NFT features a timer counting the number of days Assange has spent in prison and was part of the Censored collection curated by Pak and Assange.

Why it holds immense value: The sale of "Clock" showcased the power of NFTs as a medium for political and social commentary. It attracted attention from both the art world and those advocating for Assange's freedom. The purchase was made by AssangeDAO, an organization dedicated to fighting for the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

1. Beeple, Everydays: The First 5000 Days

The most famous and expensive NFT sale to date is Beeple's "Everydays: The First 5000 Days," which sold for an astounding $69.3 million. The buyer, Vignesh Sundaresan (also known as Metakovan), outbid Justin Sun in the final minutes of the auction.

Why it holds immense value: The sale of "Everydays: The First 5000 Days" marked a historic moment in the NFT market. It propelled NFTs into the mainstream media, with significant coverage and discussions around the value of digital art. Beeple's work showcased the transformative power of NFTs and solidified their place in the art world.
These sales highlight the diversity and range of valuable NFTs in the market, showcasing the growing interest and investment in this digital art form.