Auction houses around the world have seen some incredibly rare and unique items go under the hammer, commanding eye-watering prices from collectors and enthusiasts alike. From art masterpieces to historical artifacts, rare collectibles have always been highly sought after and often result in intense bidding wars. In recent years, the auction market has seen some truly exceptional pieces sold at record-breaking prices, with proceeds often going towards fundraising for events and charitable causes.
Here are the top 10 rare collectibles sold at auction:
1. Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi – This masterpiece by the Renaissance artist fetched a staggering $450 million in 2017, making it the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. The sale of Salvator Mundi helped fund various cultural events and initiatives around the world.
2. The Pink Star Diamond – This 59.6-carat pink diamond sold for $71.2 million in 2017, setting a new world record for the highest price paid for a gemstone at auction. The proceeds from this sale went towards fundraising for events supporting cancer research.
3. The Codex Leicester – Leonardo da Vinci’s scientific notebook was sold for $30.8 million in 1994, with the funds going towards various educational programs and events in the arts and sciences.
4. The Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication – This intricate pocket watch sold for $24 million in 2014, making it the most expensive timepiece ever sold at auction. The proceeds from this sale were used to fund various charity events and projects.
5. The Gospels of Henry the Lion – This medieval manuscript sold for $11.7 million in 1983, with the funds going towards the preservation and restoration of historic landmarks and cultural events in Germany.
6. The D-Block Rolex Daytona – This rare watch, owned by legendary actor Paul Newman, sold for $17.8 million in 2017. The proceeds from this sale went towards fundraising for events supporting underprivileged children.
7. The Action Comics #1 – The first appearance of Superman in comic form sold for $3.2 million in 2014, with the funds going towards various charitable events and initiatives in the comic book industry.
8. The Magna Carta – One of the original copies of the Magna Carta sold for $21.3 million in 2007, with the proceeds going towards fundraising for historical preservation and educational events.
9. The Gutenberg Bible – One of the first books printed using movable type, this rare manuscript sold for $4.9 million in 1987, with the funds supporting various cultural events and programs.
10. The T206 Honus Wagner baseball card – This extremely rare trading card sold for $3.12 million in 2016, with the proceeds going towards fundraising for events supporting youth sports programs.
These rare collectibles sold at auction not only provide a glimpse into history and culture but also serve as valuable assets that can be used to raise funds for charitable causes and events. The high prices fetched by these items demonstrate the demand for unique and precious collectibles, making them valuable tools for fundraising and philanthropy.
