The 25 Most Expensive NFTs Ever Sold: A Deep Dive into Digital Art's Pinnacle

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have taken the art and collectibles world by storm in recent years. These unique digital tokens are now selling for millions, captivating investors, artists, and culture watchers alike.

While many associate NFTs with pixelated punks or vibrant visual masterpieces, the realm of the most expensive NFTs boasts thought-provoking pieces that had bidders pressing the gavel at staggering sums.

But what makes someone spend $91 million on a JPEG? Let’s explore the wild, fascinating world of the highest-selling NFTs in history.

The Top 25 Most Expensive NFTs

Here are the 25 most expensive NFTs ever sold, charting a new landscape in art and technology.

1. The Merge by Pak - $91.8 Million

In December 2021, Pak’s “The Merge” sold for a record-breaking $91.8 million. The project saw 6.648 NFTs merging into one at the final bid.

2. Everydays: The First 5000 Days by Beeple - $69.3 Million

Beeple’s digital collage, Everydays: The First 5000 Days, sold at Christie’s in March 2021 for $69.3 million. The work comprises a collection of images created daily by Beeple.

3. Clock by Pak and Julian Assange - $52.7 Million

Pak’s Clock, a work of art that counts down the days of Julian Assange’s detention, sold in June 2023 for $52.7 million to raise funds for the Assange family.

4. HUMAN ONE by Beeple - $28.9 Million

In November 2021, Beeple’s HUMAN ONE, a seven-part audiovisual artwork, sold at Phillips New York for $28.9 million.

5. CryptoPunk #5822 by Larva Labs - $23.7 Million

One of the CryptoPunks, a collection of 10,000 pixelated characters, sold in November 2021 for $23.7 million.

6. CryptoPunk #7523 by Larva Labs - $11.75 Million

Another CryptoPunk, no. 7523, sold in August 2023 for $11.75 million.

7. TPunk #3442 - $10.5 Million

A CryptoPunk, no. 3442, sold in November 2021 for $10.5 million.

8. CryptoPunk #4156 by Larva Labs - $10.26 Million

In November 2021, a CryptoPunk, no. 4156, sold for $10.26 million.

9. CryptoPunk #5577 by Larva Labs - $7.7 Million

One of the CryptoPunks sold in November 2021 for $7.7 million.

10. CryptoPunk #3100 by Larva Labs - $7.58 Million

In November 2021, one of the CryptoPunks sold for $7.58 million.

11. Right-click and Save As guy by XCOPY - $7.09 Million

An artwork by XCOPY, titled Right-click and Save As guy, sold in November 2021 for $7.09 million.

12. Ringers #109 by Dmitri Cherniak - $6.9 Million

Dmitri Cherniak’s generative art piece, part of the Ringers collection, sold in November 2021 for $6.9 million.

13. Crossroad by Beeple - $6.6 Million

Beeple’s Crossroad, an artwork that changes based on the outcome of the 2020 US presidential election, sold in February 2021 for $6.6 million.

14. All Time High in the City by XCOPY - $6.2 Million

An artwork by XCOPY, titled All Time High in the City, sold in November 2021 for $6.2 million.

15. FreeRoss by Ross Ulbricht -

Ross Ulbricht’s artwork, FreeRoss, sold in June 2023 for $6.1 million to benefit the Assange family.

16. Ocean Front by Beeple - $6 Million

Beeple’s Ocean Front, part of the 5280 series, sold in June 2023 for $6 million.

17. CryptoPunk #5217 by Larva Labs - $5.59 Million

One of the CryptoPunks