The Biggest and Craziest Crypto-Related Auctions of All Time
The world of cryptocurrency has seen a surge in interest in rare memorabilia, with auctions for NFTs breaking records and fetching millions of dollars. From a simple “Buy Bitcoin” sign to the first-ever mined satoshi, collectors are willing to pay top dollar for these unique pieces of crypto history.
One of the most notable auctions was for the “Buy Bitcoin” sign held up by Christian Langalis during Janet Yellen’s testimony in 2017. The sign, which went viral on social media, eventually sold for 16 BTC, equivalent to about $1 million at the time. Langalis, also known as “Bitcoin Sign Guy,” expressed his satisfaction in finally offering the iconic sign back to the Bitcoin community.
Another remarkable auction was for an “epic” satoshi, the first to be mined after a halving event. Only four of these sats exist, and the debut sat of the current cycle was sold for 33.3 BTC, approximately $2.1 million. The significance of this satoshi in Bitcoin’s history made it a highly sought-after collectible for enthusiasts and investors.
The rise of NFTs on the Bitcoin network has also led to extraordinary auctions, such as the BitcoinShrooms collection sold by Sotheby’s for a total of $450,000. This pixelated homage to Bitcoin’s early years attracted significant interest and demonstrated the continued demand for digital collectibles.
Not to be forgotten is Beeple’s record-breaking sale of his digital art piece “Everydays: The First 5,000 Days” for $69.3 million at Christie’s auction house. This sale not only set a new record for the most valuable piece of digital art but also solidified Beeple’s position as one of the most valuable living artists.
Lastly, physical Bitcoin in the form of Casascius coins has also seen fervent auctions, with a brass coin minted in 2011 selling for $96,000 and a silver coin fetching $102,000. These coins, containing the private key to a set denomination of Bitcoin, are highly sought after for their rarity and historical significance.
Overall, the growing appetite for crypto memorabilia and the record-breaking auctions in this space highlight the continued fascination with the history and evolution of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
