What’s the Most Expensive NFT?
Want to learn about the most expensive NFT and upcoming NFT artists for 2025? Our guide covers the most expensive NFT collections and most popular NFT artists.
What is the most expensive NFT?
Here are the top 10 most expensive NFTs ever sold, starting with the most expensive NFT:
Pak's "The Merge" – $91.8 million: Sold in December 2021, "The Merge" shattered records as the most expensive NFT ever. Unlike traditional NFTs, this work was sold as an open edition with multiple buyers purchasing "mass units" that combined to create unique individual NFTs. The total sale amount reached an impressive $91.8 million through nearly 30,000 collectors.
Beeple’s "Everydays: The First 5000 Days"- $69.3 million: This NFT sold at a Christie’s auction in March 2021 and shook the digital art world. Beeple, whose real name is Mike Winkelmann, compiled 5,000 pieces of art created over 13 years, crafting a digital mosaic that became a defining moment for NFTs.
"Clock" by Pak and Julian Assange – $52.7 million: Created as a statement of support for the imprisoned WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, this NFT counts down the days since Assange's incarceration. This powerful collaboration was purchased by AssangeDAO, a group formed to bid on the piece.
Beeple’s "HUMAN ONE" – $28.9 million: Another impressive entry by Beeple, "HUMAN ONE" is a kinetic sculpture combined with a constantly-evolving NFT. It represents a bold push into hybrid digital-physical artwork, symbolizing the future of creative expression.
CryptoPunk #5822 – $23.7 million: One of the rarest CryptoPunks, Punk #5822 was sold for an astounding price, becoming the most expensive CryptoPunk ever. These 24x24 pixel portraits are widely recognized as pioneers of NFT art and exclusivity.
CryptoPunk #7523 – $11.8 million: Dubbed “COVID Alien” due to its unique medical mask attribute, this rare CryptoPunk fetched a hefty price during the Sotheby’s auction. Its scarcity and timeliness played a big role in the sale.
CryptoPunk #4156 – $10.26 million: Yet another CryptoPunk makes the list. #4156, a rare Ape punk, fetched over $10 million in 2021 and highlighted the staying power of the pixelated collectibles.
XCOPY’s "Right-click and Save As Guy" – $7.09 million: Satirizing common criticisms of digital art, XCOPY’s work became emblematic of NFT culture. Sold via SuperRare, it’s a prime example of how NFTs can engage with internet humor and social commentary.
"Ringers #109" by Dmitri Cherniak – $6.9 million: Generative art gained mainstream attention with "Ringers #109." This piece from Art Blocks sold for millions, solidifying the appeal of algorithm-driven art in the NFT space.
Beeple’s "Crossroad" – $6.6 million: Depicting a post-election political landscape, "Crossroad" changed based on the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Beeple’s unique, time-sensitive piece captivated collectors and critics alike.
CryptoPunk #7804 – $7.57 million: This pipe-smoking, sunglass-wearing Punk is one of the most distinctive and valuable in the CryptoPunk series. It set a high bar during its sale, epitomizing digital flex culture.
Who are the most famous NFT artists?
The NFT scene has more to offer than just pricey transactions—it’s a breeding ground for boundary-pushing artists. Here are some creators who continue to shape and define the NFT landscape.
Beeple (Mike Winkelmann): We’ve already talked about Beeple’s record-smashing sales, but his influence extends beyond price tags. Beeple’s consistent work ethic (creating art every day for over a decade) and his ability to blend pop culture, political commentary, and digital mastery have earned him top-tier status.
Pak: Pak is a mysterious, pseudonymous artist known for conceptual, thought-provoking NFTs. Pak’s work is often interactive, blurring the lines between creator and collector and exploring digital ownership with projects like "Merge."
XCOPY: This London-based artist is a pioneer of glitchy, looping digital animations, with a flair for tackling themes like death, dystopia, and crypto culture. XCOPY’s work stands out for its instantly recognizable aesthetic and cultural significance.
Dmitri Cherniak: Known for his generative artwork on platforms like Art Blocks, Cherniak’s minimalistic, algorithm-driven art consistently appeals to tech-savvy collectors, combining mathematical precision with aesthetic beauty.
Hackatao: This Italian duo blends classic art influences with bold digital designs, often incorporating social and political themes. Their work is instantly recognizable, known for its playful and thought-provoking nature.
FEWOCiOUS (Victor Langlois): One of the youngest stars in the NFT world, FEWOCiOUS brings deeply personal and emotional art to the blockchain. His work focuses on themes of identity, transformation, and personal experience, resonating with a wide audience.
Mad Dog Jones: Known for vibrant, cyberpunk-inspired digital art, Mad Dog Jones’ pieces often explore the collision of nature and technology. His NFT drop "REPLICATOR" was an innovative experiment in creating ‘evolving’ NFTs.
Trevor Jones: Merging traditional painting with digital art, Trevor Jones’ creations often pair classical styles with contemporary themes, including AR enhancements and Bitcoin motifs.
Grimes: The musician Grimes has also cemented herself in the NFT scene, selling her futuristic and surreal digital pieces for millions. Her work merges music, tech, and art to form a truly unique brand of digital collectibles.
Tyler Hobbs: Renowned for his generative series "Fidenza," Tyler Hobbs’ algorithms create abstract, colorful patterns that are mesmerizing in their organic complexity. His work on Art Blocks continues to command attention and high sales.
Read next: Upcoming NFT drops
Why do NFTs cost so much?
It’s not just hype that drives up the prices of these digital works. Scarcity, community status, underlying technology, and the creative vision of these artists combine to make NFTs a compelling (and sometimes expensive) market. While some see these sky-high prices as a bubble, others believe it’s the future of art, tech, and decentralized ownership.
NFTs are here to stay—and so are the people who create, buy, and admire them.
Read next: What determines the price of crypto?
Don’t forget the tax bill…
If you’ve got income from selling NFTs you made, or gains from selling an NFT you bought, you might have a tax bill. Learn more in our NFT tax guide or - if you have losses - learn how to tax loss harvest NFTs to lower your tax bill.
