When it comes to luxury items, money can’t buy everything, but it can buy a lot. From cars and yachts to art and diamonds, there is no shortage of expensive items around the world. In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 most expensive items in existence and how much each of them cost.
1. 1963 Ferrari GTO – Estimated Value: $70 Million
Owner: Paul Pappalardo, US
Acquired: At an auction in Connecticut (2014)
This Ferrari GTO is one of only 39 that were ever made. It is the most expensive car in the world, and was purchased by Paul Pappalardo at a 2014 auction previewed in Connecticut. This sleek and powerful car was immediately a well-regarded design, and has only gotten more fashionable and expensive with time.
2. The Card Players – Estimated Value: $250 Million
Owner: Qatar’s Royal Family
Acquired: At an auction in London (2011)
This painting by Paul Cezanne is the most expensive painting ever sold at an auction. It was purchased by Qatar’s Royal family at a Christie’s auction in London in 2011 for a record-breaking $250 million. This sketch features five peasants playing cards at a small wooden table, and is believed to be the last of Cezanne’s series of Card Players, which he painted at the end of the 19th century.
3. Rockefeller Center – Estimated Value: $1.2 Billion
Owner: RCP (Rockefeller Center Properties Inc.)
Acquired: Acquired from Columbia University (1985)
The world’s most expensive structure is the Rockefeller Center, located in Midtown Manhattan. This complex of 19 commercial buildings was purchased from Columbia University by RCP (Rockefeller Center Properties Inc.) in 1985 for $1.2 billion. It has since grown in value and is now a popular tourist attraction. It also houses offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and a television studio.
4. Villa Leopolda – Estimated Value: $750 Million
Owner: Lily Safra
Acquired: Acquired from King Leopold II of Belgium (1902)
The Villa Leopolda is a luxurious estate located in the French Riviera. It was originally built by King Leopold II of Belgium for his mistress, Blanche Zélia Joséphine Delacroix, and acquired by billionaire widow Lily Safra in 2002 for $750 million. The villa is spread across 19 acres of green landscaped gardens and features a swimming pool, guest houses, helipad, and more.
5. Antilla – Estimated Value: $1 Billion
Owner: Mukesh Ambani
Acquired: Built in Mumbai, India (2010)
Antilla is the most expensive private residence in the world. It was built in 2010 in Mumbai for Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani and his family. The 27-story home building is fitted with the latest technology and features, such as a private cinema, swimming pool, ballroom, air conditioning system, among others, and is estimated to cost around $1 billion dollars.
6. Gutenberg Bible – Estimated Value: $35 Million
Owner: Anonymous German Collector
Acquired: At an auction in London (1987)
The world’s first printed Bible is often referred to as the Gutenberg Bible. This version of the Bible was printed by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century and has since become an iconic work of religious history. In 1987, an anonymous German collector purchased it for an astonishing $35 million dollars at an auction at Sotheby’s in London.
7. Pink Star Diamond– Estimated Value: $71.2 Million
Owner: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group
Acquired: At an auction in Geneva (2013)
The Pink Star Diamond is the most expensive diamond in the world. It is a 59.6-carat fancy pink diamond discovered by Toshikazu Okura in 1999 in Africa. The Pink Star Diamond was auctioned off for $71.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva in 2013, and was purchased by Chinese-based jewellers, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group.
8. Pasion Azteca, Platinum Liquor Bottle – Estimated Value: $3.5 Million
Owner: tequila don Julio
Acquired: Bought and crafted for tequila don Julio (2006)
The Pasion Azteca is the world’s most expensive liquor bottle. It was bought and crafted by tequila don Julio in 2006 and is estimated to be worth $3.5 million. It is encrusted in 6,400 diamonds, and features the history of the Aztecs etched on its exterior.
9. The domain name Insure.com – Estimated Value: $16 Million
Owner: QuinStreet
Acquired: At an auction in the US (2009)
In 2009, the domain name insure.com was acquired at an auction in the US by QuinStreet, an internet marketing company, for an astounding $16 million. It is the most expensive domain name ever sold and is now used by the company to offer various insurance services.
10. Chopard 151-Carat Diamond Necklace – Estimated Value: $25 Million
Owner: Chopard
Acquired: Custom-made by Chopard (2013)
The Chopard 151-carat diamond necklace is one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry in the world. It was custom-made by Chopard in 2013 and is estimated to be worth $25 million. The necklace is composed of 151.84 carats of flawless diamonds and is set into 18-karat white gold.
11. Graff Pink Diamond – Estimated Value: $46 Million
Owner: Laurence Graff
Acquired: At an auction in Geneva (2010)
The Graff Pink Diamond is one of the most expensive and sought-after diamonds in the world. It is a 24.78-carat fancy pink diamond that was auctioned off at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva, Switzerland in 2010 and purchased by British-based jeweller Laurence Graff for $46 million.
12. 1907-1908 Ferrari Idea Tipo GP – Estimated Value: $30 Million
Owner: British businessman and car collector Peter A. Sachs
Acquired: At an auction in Bologna (2013)
The 1907-1908 Ferrari Idea Tipo GP is one of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. It was purchased by British businessman and car collector Peter A. Sachs at a RM Auctions classic car auction in Bologna, Italy in 2013 for an incredible $30 million. This is the first car Ferrari ever produced and is one of the most sought-after cars of all time.
13. The 1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato – Estimated Value: $14.3 Million
Owner: British investor and car collector, Harry Yeaggy
Acquired: At an auction in London (2016)
The 1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato is a classic car in mint condition. It was purchased by British investor and car collector, Harry Yeaggy at a Bonhams auction in London in 2016 for a staggering $14.3 million – making it the most expensive British car ever sold. This car has a unique design that was crafted by Italian designers, Zagato.
14. Rybolovlev’s yacht – Estimated Value: $360 Million
Owner: Russian Billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev
Acquired: Custom-built by Feadship (2011)
The world’s most expensive yacht is owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. It is a custom-built Feadship and is estimated to cost around $360 million. This luxurious 350-foot yacht features all modern amenities, such as its own helipad, swimming pool, spa, gym, and more.
15. Wu Zhu coins – Estimated Value: $10 Million
Owner: Private collector
Acquired: At an auction in Beijing, China (2008)
The Wu Zhu coins are some of the rarest and most expensive coins in the world. They were minted during the Wu Zhu period of Chinese history (221–207 BC) and have a unique square shape. In 2008, a private collector purchased one of these coins at an auction in Beijing for an estimated $10 million.
16. Mark Rothko’s Orange, Red, Yellow – Estimated Value: $86.9 Million
Owner: Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev
Acquired: At an auction in New York (2012)
The “Orange, Red, Yellow” is a painting by the famous Abstract Expressionist painter, Mark Rothko. It was purchased for an astonishing $86.9 million at an auction in New York in 2012 by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. The painting is a classic example of Rothko’s signature style of color-field painting.
17. Le Reve – Estimated Value: $155 Million
Owner: Steven A. Cohen
Acquired: Bought from Steve Wynn (2013)
Le Reve is a 1932 painting by Pablo Picasso that was bought by hedge fund billionaire Steven A. Cohen in 2013 for a whopping $155 million. He purchased the painting from Las Vegas casino magnate, Steve Wynn, who had purchased the painting in 1997 for only $48.4 million
18. Domain Name Sex.com – Estimated Value: $13 Million
Owner: Clover Holdings Ltd
Acquired: At an auction in the US (2006)
The domain name Sex.com is one of the most expensive domain names ever sold. It was acquired in 2006 at an auction in the US by Clover Holdings Ltd for a staggering $13 million. The domain name is now owned by the European pornographic content company, MindGeek.
19. Nebraska Table – Estimated Value: $180,000
Owner: Private collector
Acquired: At a Christie’s auction in New York (2013)
The Nebraska Table is one of the most expensive pieces of furniture in the world. This table was created by Danish designer Kaare Klint in 1930 and was auctioned off at a Christie’s auction in New York in 2013 for $180,000. It is made from mahogany and rosewood and features a unique and elegant design.
20. The Tom Brady Rookie Card – Estimated Value: $400,000
Owner: Private collector
Acquired: Acquired from a charity auction in 2000
The world’s most expensive sports card belongs to NFL legend Tom Brady. This 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Card was purchased at a charity auction in 2000 and is now estimated to be worth $400,000. The card is over 20 years old and features Brady in his early years as the New England Patriots quarterback.
Whether it’s luxurious cars or one-of-a-kind artwork, the world’s most expensive items come with hefty price tags. From a $450 million estate to a $90 million painting, these items provide a glimpse into the world of extreme wealth and luxury. For those with enough money, any of these items could be yours.
