Top 7 Most Expensive Artifacts In The World
Archaeologists spend their days unearthing ancient civilizations' lost treasures.
It's someway funny how some of these things become so much treasured that some of them become one of the most expensive auction item in the world
While some of their findings are absolutely priceless, others are only marginally valuable. Seven of the world's most expensive artifacts include the following:
Top 7 Most Luxurious Artifacts In The World
- Greywacke Statue Tribute to Isis
- Harrington Commode
- Goddard-Townsend Antique Secretary Desk
- Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase
- Rosetta Stone
- Diamond Panther Bracelet
- Napoleon’s Gold-Encrusted Sword
1. Greywacke Statue Tribute to Isis
The Greywacke Statue is a memorial to Isis. When you go to Egypt, you'll see that there are strong ties to pagan beliefs that go back many millennia. Isis is one of the most well-known Egyptian goddesses. She is a deity who is associated with motherhood, rites of passage, and healing.
A greywacke statue was carved as a religious object around 664-525 B.C. It is believed to have been erected in a public location in Alexandria, where worshipers could make requests for blessings such as comfort and healing.
READ ALSO » Top 10 Most Expensive Penthouses In The World
A French aristocratic family bought it in the 19th century, and it was sold at auction in a fierce bidding war that brought the price up to nearly $6 million!
2. Harrington Commode
Harrington Commode, Despite the fact that the term commode is frequently used interchangeably with toilet, antique commodes are actually beautiful, ornate chests of drawers.
The Earl of Harrington's collection from the 1700s contains one of the most famous and valuable items in the world.
He got it from Chippendale, a specialized store that used to make cabinets, closets, and other pieces of furniture that only the wealthy and famous could buy. At the time of its creation, it cost nearly $6 million, making it nearly worthless today.
3. Goddard-Townsend Antique Secretary Desk
Goddard-Townsend Antique Secretary Desk, Even though you might not think a secretary desk is worth $12.1 million, this cabinet made by Quakers sold for exactly that amount in 1989. A desk made by hand from mahogany dates back to 1760.
The block-front design and minimal carvings are typical of the Quaker style. The fact that it is one of only nine Goddard-Townsend desks available adds value. It will go down in history as the most expensive piece of American antique furniture ever.
4. Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase
Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase, At a private auction in London, this Chinese vase sold for $85.9 million (after taxes), making it one of the most expensive antiques ever sold.
READ ALSO » Top 10 Most Expensive Hair Products In The World 2024
The craftsmanship on this one-of-a-kind vase is extremely rare. Since it features the imperial seal, it is likely that it was made just for Emperor Qianlong at the end of the 18th century.
How the vase got from China to London is a mystery. It was initially thought to be only $1,000 in value, but upon authentication, archeologists stated that it was worth millions.
5. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone, This is yet another unique Egyptian treasure. It has ancient Egyptian and ancient Greek demotic inscribed in tiny hieroglyphics.
This black basalt stone is 2,200 years old and was discovered in Rosetta, Egypt, in 1799. It is said to be the only way to decipher hieroglyphics from ancient Egypt.
In 1799, a French officer found the Rosetta stone, removed it from its Egyptian home, and brought it with him to England.
It was taken back by the British after they defeated the French in 1801, and it ended up in the British Museum, where it still is today. Sadly, Egypt's request to return the stone to its original location has not been granted.
6. Diamond Panther Bracelet
Diamond Panther Bracelet, When King Edward VIII married the Windsor Duchess in 1937, the public was not pleased that a duke was marrying an American divorcee.
To marry her, he was willing to give up the crown, but since that wasn't necessary, he wanted to give her a very special present as a sign of his love.
READ ALSO » Top 10 Most Expensive Bottled Water In The World 2024
He ordered a one-of-a-kind bracelet with black and white diamonds. It had emerald-colored eyes and was made to look like a long, sprawled-out jaguar.
It cost $7 million to make when it was commissioned. The bracelet is most likely worth billions of dollars nearly a century later.
7. Napoleon’s Gold-Encrusted Sword
During the historic Battle of Marengo in 1800, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte led his troops in a surprise attack to drive Austrians out of Italy. This resulted in Napoleon's gold-encrusted sword. He was wielding the same elaborate, gold-encrusted sword that he had used during his campaign in Egypt.
This sword is worth a lot more than just its lavish golden design. It was one of the world's most valuable items when it was last sold at auction in 2007 for $6.5 million because of its historic significance.
