The Most Expensive Ethereum NFT Sales of All Time

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have revolutionized the digital art and collectibles market, enabling unique ownership of digital assets on the blockchain. Among various platforms, Ethereum has emerged as a dominant force, hosting numerous high-profile NFT sales. This article delves into the most expensive Ethereum-based NFT sales to date, exploring the artworks, their creators, and the significance of these transactions.

1. Beeple’s “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” – $69.3 Million

In March 2021, digital artist Mike Winkelmann, known as Beeple, sold “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” for a staggering $69.3 million at a Christie’s auction. This monumental piece is a collage of 5,000 individual images that Beeple created daily over more than thirteen years. The sale marked a pivotal moment in the art world, positioning NFTs as a legitimate medium for high-value transactions and placing Beeple among the top three most valuable living artists.

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2. Pak and Julian Assange’s “Clock” – $52.7 Million

“Clock,” a collaborative NFT by anonymous digital artist Pak and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, sold for $52.7 million in February 2022. The artwork features a timer counting the days Assange has been imprisoned. The piece was acquired by AssangeDAO, a decentralized autonomous organization formed to support Assange’s legal defense, highlighting the potential of NFTs in political and social activism.

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3. Beeple’s “Human One” – $28.9 Million

Another groundbreaking work by Beeple, “Human One,” fetched $28.9 million at a Christie’s auction in November 2021. This dynamic, hybrid physical and digital artwork features a life-sized 3D video sculpture depicting an astronaut traversing various landscapes. The piece is designed for continuous evolution, with Beeple retaining remote access to update the content, symbolizing the ever-changing nature of the digital realm.

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4. CryptoPunk #5822 – $23.7 Million

CryptoPunks, a collection of 10,000 unique 24×24 pixel art characters, have become iconic in the NFT space. In February 2022, CryptoPunk #5822, one of only nine alien punks, sold for 8,000 ETH, equivalent to $23.7 million at the time. Its rarity and distinctive blue-skinned appearance contributed to its high valuation.

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5. CryptoPunk #7523 – $11.75 Million

Another rare alien punk, CryptoPunk #7523, known as “Covid Alien” due to its medical mask attribute, sold for $11.75 million at a Sotheby’s auction in June 2021. The unique combination of attributes and the cultural context of the COVID-19 pandemic added to its desirability among collectors.

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6. TPunk #3442 – $10.5 Million

TPunks are Tron blockchain’s version of CryptoPunks. In August 2021, TPunk #3442, featuring a joker-like visage, was purchased by Justin Sun, CEO of Tron, for 120 million TRX (approximately $10.5 million). Sun later donated the NFT to APENFT, an organization focused on registering world-class artworks as NFTs on the blockchain.

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7. CryptoPunk #4156 – $10.26 Million

CryptoPunk #4156, an ape punk with a blue bandana, sold for $10.26 million in December 2021. The previous owner, known by the pseudonym “Punk 4156,” had acquired it for $1.25 million in February of the same year, reflecting the rapid appreciation of rare NFTs during that period.

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8. CryptoPunk #5577 – $7.7 Million

In February 2022, CryptoPunk #5577, featuring a cowboy hat, sold for 2,501 ETH (approximately $7.7 million). The buyer is speculated to be Robert Leshner, CEO of Compound Finance, who hinted at the purchase with a “Yeehaw” tweet following the transaction.

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9. XCopy’s “Right-click and Save As Guy” – $7.09 Million

Digital artist XCopy’s “Right-click and Save As Guy” challenges the notion of digital art ownership and copyright. The satirical piece sold for $7.09 million in December 2021, reflecting the evolving discourse on digital art’s value and the role of NFTs in establishing provenance.

10. Art Blocks’ “Ringers #109” – $6.9 Million

“Ringers #109,” part of the Art Blocks collection known for generative art, sold for $6.9 million in October 2021. Art Blocks utilizes algorithms to create unique digital artworks, and this particular piece’s intricate design and the platform’s growing reputation contributed to its high sale price.