- MyRepublic
Collecting is a passion for many, but for some, it’s also a high-stakes investment. From rare comic books to vintage cards and historical artefacts, certain collectibles have fetched astonishing prices. Here are some of the 10 most expensive collectibles ever sold, and their jaw-dropping price tags.
1. The Mona Lisa of Stamps – The British Guiana 1c Magenta ($9.48M)
Often referred to as the world’s rarest stamp, the British Guiana 1c Magenta was sold for a staggering $9.48 million at a Sotheby’s auction. Dating back to 1856, it is the only known specimen in existence, making it a true collector’s gem. The 1c magenta has broken the world record for a single stamp auction price a total of four times
2. The Most Expensive Baseball Card – Honus Wagner T206 ($7.25M)
Sports memorabilia collectors highly covet this card, featuring the legendary baseball player Honus Wagner. It sold for a record-breaking $7.25 million, cementing its place as the most valuable trading card ever. Other T206 Wagners have surfaced through the years, some of them fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars in auctions.
3. The Ultimate Comic Book – Action Comics #1 ($6M)
This comic book introduced Superman to the world in 1938 and has since become one of the most sought-after comics. A high-grade copy of Action Comics #1 fetched $3.25 million in a private sale in 2021. In 2024, the comic broke the record yet again at Heritage Auctions where it fetched a whopping $6 million, making it once again the most expensive comic book ever sold.
4. The Holy Grail of Pokémon Cards – Pikachu Illustrator ($5.275M)
One of the rarest Pokémon cards ever produced, the Pikachu Illustrator card sold for an astonishing $5.275 million. Originally distributed as a prize in a 1998 illustration contest, only a handful exist today, making it a true collector’s dream. Pikachu Illustrator is unique, even by the standards of other promo cards. It’s the only card printed with the card type “Illustrator,” and the only card with its distinctive pen symbol.
5. The Crown Jewel of Magic: The Gathering – Black Lotus ($3M)
Among collectible card games, the Black Lotus from Magic: The Gathering is a prized possession, with only 1,008 printed in the alpha set. In April 2024, a Black Lotus, Magic: The Gathering (1993) Limited Editon Alpha graded CGC Pristine 10 sold for an incredible $3 million in a private sale, setting a record as the most expensive trading card from the game.
6. The Legendary Wu-Tang Album – Once Upon a Time in Shaolin ($2M)
A one-of-a-kind music album by the Wu-Tang Clan, this exclusive record was auctioned for $2 million. With only one copy in existence, it remains a unique piece of music history. The album was recorded in secret over a period of six years from 2007 to 2013. A legal agreement states that while the album cannot be used commercially until 2103, it can be played at listening parties.
7. The Rarest Video Game – Super Mario Bros. (NES, Sealed Copy) ($2M)
A pristine, sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) became the most expensive video game ever sold at auction in 2021, fetching an astounding $2 million. This particular copy was from an early production run and remained unopened for decades, making it a coveted collectible for gaming enthusiasts. The game was purchased by an anonymous buyer.
8. The Space-Race Relic – Apollo 11 Lunar Sample Bag ($1.8M)
Used to collect moon dust during the Apollo 11 mission, this piece of space history was auctioned for $1.8 million, making it one of the most expensive space-related collectibles.
9. The Ultimate Star Wars Collectible – Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Action Figure ($1.34M)
Among Star Wars enthusiasts, few collectibles are as coveted as the rocket-firing Boba Fett action figure. Produced by Kenner in 1979 as a prototype, only 100 of these figures were ever made before the design was altered due to safety concerns over its firing rocket mechanism. In August 2024, one of these rare figures fetched a record-breaking $1.342 million (£1.04 million) at auction, making it the most expensive toy ever sold.
10. The “Most Valuable Action Figure” – G.I. Joe Prototype ($200K)
The original 1963 prototype for the first-ever G.I. Joe action figure, which helped launch the modern action figure industry, was auctioned for an astounding $200,000. As a pivotal piece of toy history, it remains one of the most sought-after collectibles.
From rare stamps to legendary sports memorabilia and historic artefacts, collectibles continue to captivate enthusiasts and investors alike. These record-breaking sales highlight the immense value people place on unique, one-of-a-kind items. Whether driven by nostalgia, passion, or investment, the world of high-end collecting is as exciting as ever.
