NFTs, short for a non-fungible token, represent a unique digital asset stored on a blockchain. It’s a new type of art that is disrupting the way we think about art. If you are not familiar with it, I recommend you to read this short guide on NFTs.
In the last few years, NFTs popularity steadily grew before exploding at the beginning of 2021. Many celebrities entered the industry which made it kind of mainstream. Demand went through the roof and the price followed. That is why I present you the list of the top 5 most expensive NFTs sold so far.
1. Everydays: The First 5000 Days – $69.3 Million
The most expensive NFT ever sold is the work from Mike Winkelmann, aka. “Beeple” Everydays: The first 5000 days. It represents a collection of 5.000 Beeple’s artworks throughout his career. It was sold on auction by a British auction house Christie’s for a staggering $69.3 million. An NFT was sold this year on March 11th to Indian entrepreneur Vignes Sundaresan whose name became quite popular afterward.
2. CryptoPunk #7523: $11.8 Million
The second most expensive NFT is one of 10.000 unique CryptoPunks called CryptoPunk #7523. They were developed by Matt and John from Larva Labs. CryptoPunks are one of the first NFTs released on the Ethereum blockchain. Interestingly, at first, they were given for free. Now, a few years later, CryptoPunks are selling for millions.
3. CryptoPunk #3100: $7.58 Million
The third most expensive NFT is a CryptoPunk as well. This one was sold on March 11th for $7.58 million. Each CryptoPunk has accessories for which it is known. CryptoPunk #3100 has a headband and is currently on sale for 35k ETH which is around $123 million.
4. CryptoPunk #7804: $7.57 Million
Next on the list is another CryptoPunk sold on the same day as #3100, March 11th. This one has a cap, pipe, and small shades. It is not currently listed for sale.
5. CROSSROAD: $6.66 Million
Our top 5 list ends with an NFT Crossroad made by Beeple, author of the most expensive NFT ever sold. It was sold on the popular NFT marketplace Nifty Gateway a few months after U.S. presidential elections. Crossroad NFT shows a caricature of Donald Trump after the lost election.