Top 10 Most Expensive Antiques Ever Auctioned

These days there are numerous antiques collectors that spend literally thousands of dollars on auctions. The “battle” for an one-of-a-kind antique often ends with sky-high price tags for a single item. There are more reasons for this. One of the main reasons is the desire to have an antique item that nobody else has. In this way, the antiques which in their times may have been worthless today receive an immense value and appreciation. However, not only the rareness of an antique item impacts its price. What matters the most is the age of the item and its beauty.

If you are into antiques you've probably sometimes wondered what are the most expensive antiques ever sold. Here's a list of the top 10 most expensive antiques ever auctioned:

1. Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase – $81,037,265

The vase which is believed to date back to the 1700's is probably the most expensive Chinese antique item ever sold. The originality of this exquisite artwork was asserted by various experts. It's no wonder why at auction in UK in 2010 this vase was sold for such great price tag.

2. Badminton Cabinet – $29,120,282

This cabinet was crafted by 30 craftsmen for an extensive time frame of over six whole years. Unlike almost all of the most expensive antiques ever auctioned are part of private collections, the Badminton Cabinet is displayed in the Liechtenstein Museum, where every antique lover can appreciate its immense beauty.

3. Olyphant – $16,285,369

Olyphant a hunting horn that is believed to belong to the 11th Century. It's one of the six ornaments that belong to a same family. This is the most expensive antique sold on an auction in Scandinavia.

4. Moonflask in Pink and Blue Enamel w/ White Porcelain – $15,327,406

Dating back to the 1970's from the Qianlong dynasty, this magnificent artwork brings the beauty and grace characteristic for that period. This valuable piece was sold on an auction in Hong Kong five years ago.

5. Ming Dynasty Gold Tripod Vessel – $14,369,443

Also known as the most expensive Chinese metalwork ever sold. It's one of the most famous antiques that were crafted during the Ming Dynasty. What makes this vessel such a valuable antique is its construction containing 18k gold, natural pearls, sapphires and rubies.

6. Emerald & Diamond Tiara  – $12,223,606

It's not only the exceptional beauty that adds up to the value of this tiara, it's the hystoric ownership. It is believed that this tiara once belonged to the wife of the Napoleon III the French emperor. It was auctioned at Sotheby's in London in 2011.

7. Illustrated Folio of the Persian Shah circa 1500s – $11.687,146

It is believed that this illustrated manuscript dates back to the late 1500's. This illustrated folio is representative of the Islamic art and culture. The amazing price tag of $11.687,146 for which this piece of art was auctioned in 2001 best speaks about its value and appreciation.

8. Antique Secretary Desk by the Goddard & Townsend Families – $11,591,351

This exclusive Chippendale style furniture item, was crafted in the 1760's. It was sold at an auction in 1989 in New York for around $11,591,351. It is believed that there are only seven or nine samples of this American furniture piece.

9. Germain Royal Soup Tureen – $9,855,044

It is said that the Germain Royal Soup Tureen belonged to the king Louis XV. The lid of this tureen equals to a real art masterpiece. It's no wonder why it is one of the antiques auctioned for seven figure price.

10. Harrington Commode – $5,799,898

This George III marquetry commode was auctioned for four times higher prices than its estimated value. This is another Chippendale style furniture piece that is listed as one of the most expensive antiques ever auctioned.