The 100 Most Expensive Things in the World in 2022

If you had all the money in the world to spend, where would you start? A crystal piano to play on the rooftop of your 27-storey skyscraper? Or maybe a diamond-encrusted watch to accessorize with your super-yacht made of solid gold? If it’s inspiration you need — we’ve got you covered. From the most expensive sports cars to the world’s priciest feather, there’s something for everyone on this shopping list! So read on, and start saving those pennies, because on this list — cash is king.

A hand holds rice over a large pool of rice grains

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#100 The world’s most expensive rice – US$109 (per kg)

The rice: The rice, sold by Toyo Rice Corporation, is made up of six different rice varieties and won golden awards at an international rice evaluation contest in 2015, where it was named "The World’s Best Rice".

The price tag: US$109 per kilogram to set the record for most expensive.

Tony Hawk stands in front of a promotional image for his skateboard video game

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#99 The world’s most expensive skateboard video game – US$151

The game: OK, so the sticker shock on this one isn’t exactly mind-blowing, but we’re sure when Tony Hawk released Tony Hawk: RIDE (2009) he had high hopes to align with what was a very high release price for specialized video games at the time.

The price tag: On its release, the skateboard video game cost US$151, which was considered justified based on its use of new technology in the motion-sensing skateboard element that was sold with the game.

The facts: Innovative technology and the draw of Tony Hawk’s name wasn’t enough to make the game work and while it holds the record for most expensive skateboard video game ever released, it was a critical and commercial failure.

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#98 The world’s most expensive coffee pod – US$273 for a box of five pods

The coffee pod: Singapore-based company, Medano Coffee PTE LTD.

The price tag: Holding this Guinness World Record means you’ll be paying US$273 for a box of five pods (shelling out just under US$55 per pod).

The facts: 100 per cent Arabica beans sourced from Asia and packaged in Singapore, these pods are compatible with Nespresso machines.

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#97 The world’s most expensive anti-aging serum – US$1,800 (per ounce!)

The serum: The JK7 Rejuvenating Serum uses rare natural ingredients from around to world to deliver a potent skin care solution.

The price tag: Forbes has this one pegged as the most expensive anti-aging serum on the market – and at US$1,800 per ounce, we can see why!

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#96 The world’s most expensive sushi – nearly US$2,000

The sushi: Nigiri sushi, prepared by Chef Angelito Araneta Jr., of the Philipines.

The price tag: US$1,978.

The facts: The record-setting sushi, prepared in 2010, was garnished with diamonds and wrapped in 24-carat gold leaf.

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#95 The world’s most expensive XBOX 360 videogame – US$2,999

The game: Dead Space Ultra Limited Edition.

The price tag: Sold by Damien Fraimorice to a buyer for US$2,999 making it the highest amount ever paid for a single video game.

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#94 The world’s most expensive keyboard – US$4,240

The keyboard: Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional HP Japan.

The price tag: US$4,240.

The facts: While you may think holding the record for highest cost is strictly tech-related in this case, the keyboard’s design elements play a major role in the price tag, featuring keys hand-coated in Urushi lacquer before being dusted with gold. Nearly impossible to track down, you can settle for a more budget-friendly version with their basic model, available on Amazon.

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#93 The world’s most expensive feather – over US$5,000

The feather: The Huia bird feather, a now extinct species, considered the most valuable feathers on the planet.

The price tag: Most recently sold at an auction in New Zealand, a Huia bird feather sold for over US$5,000.

The facts: The value in this feather is in its rarity. Now extinct, the remaining feathers are the last in existence, and to the wealthy collector, worth every penny.

A man lights a match against a matchbook in the dark

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#92 The world’s most expensive matchbook – US$6,000

The matchbook: Matchbook created for a rare Charles Lindbergh dinner celebration from 1927.

The price tag: US$6,000, purchased by Kevin Saucier in 2015.

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#91 The world’s most expensive (commercially available) jeans – US$10,000

The jeans: Escada’s Couture Swarovski Crystal Jeans.

The price tag: The jeans start at US$7,500, with no cap based on customizations. The most expensive pair ever sold to date cost US$10,000.

The facts: These jeans top Forbes’ list and hold the Guiness World Record for most expensive jeans. Escada offers customizable options such as choosing 14-carat gold or silver rivets, diamond buttons, and of course, additional Swaorvski crystals.

Though not available commercially (leaving this record with Escada) honourable mention goes to the limited-edition Damien Hirst “Spin” Jeans, of which only eight pairs were ever made and sold for US$27,000.

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#90 The world’s most expensive cocktail – US$12,500

The cocktail: dubbed “the Winston” by its creator, Joel Heffernan at Club 23 (Australia).

The price tag: US$12,500.

The facts: The cocktail contained 60 ml of Croizet’s 1858 ‘Cuvee Leonie’ cognac — a cognac which also happens to hold its own Guinness record as the most expensive ever to be sold at auction.

Man holds a glass of cognac up against an ocean backdrop at sunset

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#89 The world’s most expensive shot of cognac – US$14,000

The cognac: Rome De Bellegarde.

The price tag: The record for the world’s most expensive shot of cognac was set in March 2018, with a shot of Rome De Bellegarde cognac costing just over US$14,000.

The facts: Only 67 bottles have been decanted, with Ranjeeta Dutt McGroarty being credited as having purchased the first 40ml shot.

Yellow Lego bricks stacked to create the symbol for money

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#88 The world’s most expensive LEGO brick – US$14,450

The LEGO brick: a 14-carat gold LEGO brick.

The price tag: The brick was sold via collector website Brick Envy, where CNET notes it was purchased by an anonymous buyer for a staggering US$14,450.

The facts: The 25.6-g brick was originally given as a gift from LEGO to their long-serving employees, offered between 1979 and 1981.

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#87 The world’s most expensive cat – US$24,000

The cat: Californian Spangled Cat.

The price tag: US$24,000.

The facts: The cat was sold in 1987 at the record price and was notably also the display cat from the 1986 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. However, the record no longer mentions the breed, which is also not listed on the The International Cat Association's website.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor on their wedding day

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#86 The world’s most expensive piece of wedding cake ever sold – US$29,000

The cake: A piece of cake from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s 1937 wedding.

The price tag: US$29,900, sold at an auction in Sotheby’s New York in 1998 to Benjamin and Amanda Yin of San Francisco.

The facts: While most people may not understand the lure of spending a small fortune (and setting a record in the process) on a piece of dated (though preserved) wedding cake, the thrilled buyer is quoted as saying, “It is almost unimaginable to have such an item exist. It represents the epitome of a great romance.” We say, let them eat cake! But hopefully not.

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#85 The world’s most expensive mug – over US$33,000

The mug: Nestle Thai Ltd. purchased the 23-carat gold mug, produced by Yoo Long Kim Kee Gold Store in Bangkok, Thailand.

The price tag: Nestle Thai purchased the mug for US$33,842 in 2008.

A chef prepares a plate of food which includes a garnish of “Almas” caviar

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#84 The world’s most expensive caviar (and most expensive food) – US$34,500

The caviar: “Almas” Iranian Beluga.

The price tag: US$34,500 per kilogram.

The facts: The record-holding caviar is produced from the eggs of an albino sturgeon between 60-100 years old.

Playing video games in front of a TV screen

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#83 The world’s most expensive commercially available video game console cover – US$35,000

The cover: A gold, diamond and crocodile special-edition jacket cover. The price tag: US$35,000 for a PlayStation Portable (PSP) jacket. The facts: The jacket features 8 black and gold diamonds, 14-carat gold and a crocodile finish on the back.

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#82 The world’s most expensive tooth sold at auction: over US$36,000

The tooth: Reported to have been John Lennon’s tooth. The price tag: US$36,857. The facts: Canadian Dr. Michael Zuk bought the tooth at a 2011 charity auction. Yeah, we don’t get it either, but as long as it’s for charity…

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#81 The world’s most expensive painting by a group of elephants – US$39,000

The painting: Titled Cold Wind, Swirling Mist, Charming Lanna I.

The price tag: The painting was sold in 2005 to Panit Warin of Thailand for US$39,000.

The facts: This group of record-breaking elephants hail from the Maesa Elephant Camp in Thailand.

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#80 The world’s most expensive pair of cufflinks sold at private sale – US$39,750

The cufflinks: V2, designed by Arfaq (UK).

The price tag: The cufflinks were privately sold to Michael Jackson and MJJ Productions for US$39,750 in Romania in 1996.

The facts: The cufflinks were crafted from diamonds and sapphires which have been set in 18-carat gold and platinum.

Actress Sharon Stone shares a kiss with highest bidder Joni Rimm at an auction

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#79 The world’s most expensive kiss sold at auction – US$50,000

The kiss: A kiss sold at auction that allowed the highest bidder to share a smooch with actress Sharon Stone.

The price tag: US$50,000.

The facts: The 2003 kiss was bought by bidder Joni Rimm of the U.S., who made the winning bid at an auction held in Los Angeles.

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#78 The world’s most expensive (commercially available) stroller – £40,000

The stroller: Silver Cross Balmoral.

The price tag: £40,000

The facts: Dubbed as the "Rolls Royce" of strollers, this is where it’s at for pushcarts in the luxury market. While base model for this stroller comes in at considerably lower than the price here, the record-setting version from this brand is the top-tier special-edition Rose Gold Balmoral. Meaning – you can now spend more on your baby’s stroller than their first car!

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#77 The world’s most expensive bottle of water sold at auction – US$60,000

The bottle: The glass water bottle is covered 24-carat gold, and displays artwork by Amadeo Clemente Modigliani.

The price tag: Sold at an auction organized by Planet Foundation A.C. in 2004, the pricey glass water bottle was sold for US$60,000.

The facts: The proceeds of the auction were donated to a foundation working to combat global warming.

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#76 The most expensive jeans sold at auction – US$60,000

The jeans: A pair of original Levi Strauss & Co 501 jeans, aged 115 years.

The price tag: Sold to an anonymous collector in Japan via eBay online auction in 2005 for US$60,000.

The facts: The value in the jeans comes from their rarity and age – with claims that only a couple pairs of authentic pre-1900’s Levis exist – this particular pair being the only wearable-pair found to date.

The backstory: According to Guinness, this pair of jeans was discovered by a group of friends, who find the denim treasure in an abandoned mine in the Mojave Desert in 1998.

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#75 The world’s most expensive silk sari – over US$100,000

The sari: The sari was produced by Chennai Silks, India and features images of 11 paintings by Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma.

The price tag: US$100,000.

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#74 The world’s most expensive turntable – US$112,000

The turntable: The Continuum Caliburn turntable, manufactured by Continuum Audio Labratories PTY in Melbourne, Australia.

The price tag: prices go up to US$112,000.

The facts: The turntable features a magnesium platter which hovers via a magnetic system.

Rare bottles of white wine from Chateau d’Yquem on display at auction

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#73 The world’s most expensive white wine – US$117,000

The wine: Chateau d’Yquem (1811).

The price tag: The bottle was purchased by Christian Vanneque for US$117,000 in 2011 and currently holds the Guinness World Record.

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#72 The world’s most expensive headphones – US$120,000

The headphones: Focal Utopia by Tournaire

The price tag: US$120,000

The facts: In 2016, Tournaire's Paris boutique unveiled their Focal Utopia headphones, complete with customized jewels. They feature 18-carat gold mounted with a trilogy of diamonds on the headband totaling 6.5 carats. They are the most expensive headphones on the market

Louis Vuitton and Steiff teddy bear at auction

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#71 The world’s most expensive teddy bear ever sold at auction – US$182,550

The bear: Steiff Louis Vuitton teddy bear.

The price tag: Sold in 2000 at a Christie’s auction in Monaco for a record-setting US$182,550.

Clive Christian stands with his perfume on display at Harrods in London during a ceremony for the Guinness World Record

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#70 The world’s most expensive perfume – US$205,000

The perfume: Clive Christian No1 “Imperial Majesty” limited edition 10-bottle collection.

The price tag: Created as a limited edition release in 2005, the perfume cost US$205,000 per 500ml.

The facts: The Clive Christian No1 perfume for both men and women typically costs US$2,355 per 30 ml, still taking the current world record for most expensive perfume, even outside of its costly limited-edition release.

Fernando Altamirano holds the record-breaking bottle

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#69 The world’s most expensive bottle – US$225,000

The bottle: The Platinum and White Gold Tequila bottle, designed by Fernando Altamirano and sold by Tequila Ley .925.

The price tag: The bottle was sold to a private collector in Mexico City in July 2006 for US$225,000, making it the world's most expensive bottle ever.

The facts: Six years aged, 100% Blue Agave Tequila – which Guinness notes is worth US$2,500 – filled the 33 limited edition collector bottles.

A man works on a traditional-looking typewriter

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#68 The world’s most expensive typewriter to be sold at auction– US$254,500

The typewriter: Lettera 32 Olivetti, in light blue. The price tag: Originally purchased for a mere US$50 in 1963 by author Cormac McCarthy (author of No Country for Old Men, amongst other famed works), Finances Online notes the typewriter was sold at auction in recent years for US$254,500, the high bidding price a credit to the notoriety of its original owner.

The world’s most expensive Barbie dolls on display in Australia

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#67 The world’s most expensive Barbie doll sold at auction – US$302,500

The Barbie: A Mattel creation, the custom designed Barbie doll wears a black evening gown, stands at 11.5 inches and comes accessorized with a one-carat pink diamond necklace, surrounded by three-carats of white diamonds – talk about Barbie bling! The price tag: The doll was sold in 2010 at a Christie’s New York auction for US$302,500 and holds the Guinness world record for most expensive Barbie doll. The facts: The doll was designed by famous Australian designer Stefano Canturi, who has previously designed for Oprah Winfrey and Kylie Minogue, amongst others.

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#66 The world’s most expensive glove sold at auction – US$420,000

The glove: A bejeweled glove once belonging to Michael Jackson.

The price tag: Sold at a 2009 auction in Manhattan for US $420,000.

The facts: The glove originally owned by the music icon was purchased by Ponte 16 Resort in New York.

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#65 The world’s most expensive diamond chess set – US$500,000

The set: Charles Hollander chess set.

The price tag: US$500,000.

The facts: Loaded up with 320 carats of black and white diamonds, this chess set was one of only seven created, leaving Charles Hollander set to hold the record.

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#64 The world’s most expensive bike – US$500,000

The bike: Trek Butterfly Madone.

The price tag: Finances Online and Guinness World Records note the Trek Butterfly Madone sold for US$500,000 at a Sotheby’s cancer benefit charity auction, making it the world’s most expensive bicycle ever sold.

The facts: The bicycle of choice for Lance Armstrong in the 2009 Tour de France, the bike’s artist-creator Damien Hirst came under fire by some animal-protection organizations for his use of real butterfly wings in the bike’s design.

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#63 The world’s most expensive set of lighters to be sold – over US$600,000

The lighters: Louise XIII Fleur de Parme.

The price tag: S.T. Dupont sold the lighters to a private buyer for US$677,995

The facts: The Louise XIII Fleur de Parme set includes two lighters, a table lighter and a pocket lighter – seems a little slim for almost $700k, but who are we to judge?

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#62 The world’s most expensive pair of shoes ever worn in a film – US$666,000

The shoes: Holding the record for being the most expensive shoes ever worn in a film are the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939).

The price tag: Originally sold at auction in 1998, the pair of shoes set the same record at the time with a sale price of US$165,000 and would go one to break and re-set the record in 2000 at a Christie’s auction when the shoes were sold for US$660,000.

The rare bejeweled fountain pen by Montblanc and Van Cleef & Arpels on display

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#61 The world’s most expensive limited-edition pen – US$730,000

The pen: Montblanc and Van Cleef & Arpels created this ball-point pen.

The price tag: US$730,000.

The facts: The record-holding pen is adorned with jewellery art, including 840 diamonds and 20 carats in gemstones, and is one of only nine pens produced, each taking a year and a half to craft.

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#60 The world’s most expensive bathtub – US$845,000

The bathtub: Cut from 20,000 pounds of Amazonian crystal stone, the world's most expensive bathtub measures six feet by six inches long and weighs over 4,000 pounds.

The price tag: Harrods offered this custom bathtub for sale at their London store for US$845,000.

The facts: The record-setting tub was designed by Luca Bojola, from the Baldi interiors company and is detailed with diamond cuts and partially rough surfaces to highlight the raw beauty of the crystal elements.

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#59 The world’s most expensive script from a film – over US $847,000

The script: Audrey Hepburn's personal 1961 script from Breakfast at Tiffany's, featuring her personal annotations.

The price tag: The script was sold in 2017 at a private auction in London, UK to jewellers Tiffany & Co. who were featured prominently in the movie.

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#58 The world’s most expensive film costume – US$924,347 (when sold)

The costume: To film buffs, this one may not come as much of a surprise. The record for this one goes to the black cocktail dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy, featured in the 1961 film classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s and worn by Audrey Hepburn.

The price tag: US$924,347 at the time of sale, sold to an anonymous bidder at a charity auction at Christie's in London in 2006.

The facts: This dress has inspired generations of film and fashion lovers, and holds its place as a mainstay of iconic style in film history.

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#57 The world’s most expensive species in captivity – US$1 million annual leasing fee – to start

The species: Giant Pandas – and no, you can’t have one.

The price tag: At the time of this record being set, four zoos in the US were each paying an annual leasing fee of $1 million to the Chinese Government for a pair of Giant Pandas.

The facts: Leasing these pricey pandas at the zoo included one-off fees when they’re born (typically US$600,000 for the pair), US$2 million in research and conservation fees – all paid to the Chinese Government.

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#56 The world’s most expensive parking spot – US$1.3 million

The spot: Located in Hong Kong.

The price tag: A cool US$1.3 million.

The facts: Whoever said parking was cheap has never been to a major city. A luxury building in Hong Kong sold selling one of its parking spots for $1.3 million this year, taking the top spot for the world's most expensive parking spot.

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#55 The world’s most expensive dog – over US$1.5 million

The dog: Tibetan Mastiff.

The price tag: Sold for US$1,513,417 in 2011 to a Chinese multi-millionaire.

The facts: The 11-month old prized pup weighed in at 180 pounds and answers to “Big Splash” – according to Guinness, the costly canine enjoys a diet of chicken and beef.

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#54 The world’s most expensive bed – US$1.6 million

The bed: Magnetic Floating Bed.

The price tag: US$1.6 million.

The facts: Yes, this we're talking about a bed that floats. As in, it hovers off the ground as you sleep in it. Using innovative technology, the bed remains suspended in the air and can support 2,000 pounds.

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#53 The world’s most expensive vinyl record – US$2 million

The record: They're not the first band that comes to mind when you think of classic vinyl records, this record is held by the rap group Wu Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time in Shaolin LP, which was produced as only a single copy.

The price tag: The record was sold via Paddle8 in 2015 to hedge fund manager Martin Shkreli for US$2 million.

The facts: Though nearly impossible to unearth the highest bid of all vinyl records sold, this one repeatedly comes up as a top contender for the title and holds rank as #1.

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#52 The world’s most expensive Monopoly board game – US$2 million

The board game: San Francisco-based jeweller Sidney Mobell created the custom Monopoly set in 1988.

The price tag: US$2 million.

The facts: This isn't your regular Monopoly set. The custom board game has been crafted from 23-carat gold with ruby, sapphire, sold gold and diamond elements, making it the most expensive board game of Monopoly that exists.

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#51 The world’s most expensive television – US$2.25 million

The television: Stuart Hughes Prestige HD Supreme Rose Edition.

The price tag: US$2.25 million

The facts: Bling is the x-factor here, as the Prestige HD television boasts diamond buttons, with 18-carat pink gold and 48 additional diamonds used in the frame.

Honourable mention goes to the Titan Zeus, which BBC News Hub rings in at a much more affordable US$1.6 million. If what you’re after is less about the bling and more about the size, this is the big-ticket-item for you.

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#50 The world’s most expensive camera – US$2.97 million

The camera: Leica 0-series no. 122.

The price tag: US$2.97 million (sold at auction in 2018).

The facts: The rare Leica 0-series no. 122 sold for a world-record whopping $2.97 million in 2018 at an auction.

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#49 The world’s most expensive clock sold at auction: over US$3 million

The clock: Louis XVI Ormolu-Mounted Ebony Grande Sonnerie.

The price tag: US$3,001,294 sold at auction.

Mark McGwire extends his arm in celebration after a game, holding in his hand the game baseball

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#48 The world’s most expensive baseball – over US$3 million

The baseball: The one used by Mark McGwire in his 70th and final home run with the St. Louis Cardinals after a record season in 1998.

The price tag: US$3,054,000, purchased by Todd McFarlane in 1999 at Guernsey’s auction house in New York City.

Rare comic book on display in a glass case

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#47 The world’s most expensive comic book – US$3.25 million

The comic: Action Comics #1.

The price tag: US$3,250,000.

The facts: The comic was sold at an auction in 2021 to a private buyer.

A woman sits and plays at a crystal piano

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#46 The world’s most expensive piano – US$3.4 million

The piano: The piano from Casablanca.

The price tag: US$3.4 million.

The facts: Sold at auction, a private bidder now owns this stunning musical piece of history.

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#45 The world’s most expensive purse – US$3.8 million

The purse: Mouawad 1001 Nights diamond purse.

The price tag: US$3.8 million.

The facts: Holding on to the Guinness World Record since setting it in 2010, the Mouawad 1001 Nights diamond purse is an Emirati creation, whose luxury goods take claim for not just one but five Guinness most expensive items. The purse was handcrafted by artisans who took a total of 8,800 hours to complete the unique handbag. Featuring 18-carat gold and 4,517 diamonds, this one-of-a-kind piece was sold via Christie’s auction in Hong Kong.

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#44 The world’s most expensive atlas – almost US$4 million

The atlas: Ptolemy’s Cosmographia, 1477.

The price tag: US$3,991,970.

The facts: Sold at a Sotheby’s auction, the atlas was originally printed in Bologna, Italy and had been part of the Wardington Library Collection.

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#43 The world’s most expensive pair of cufflinks for sale right now – US$4.2 million

The cufflinks: From a record set by a pair of cufflinks sold at private sale to a slightly more pricey pair available for purchase right now, we bring you the Jacob & Co Canary Diamond cufflinks, ranked as the most expensive by The London Silver Company.

The price tag: Valued at US $4.2 million.

The facts: Platinum setting with 18 carat yellow gold, 2 radiant cut yellow diamonds with 41.42 carats and 50 baguette and princess cut diamonds with 10.76 carats help give these cufflinks their most expensive label.

A woman stands looking at a photo by Andreas Gursky on display

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#42 The world’s most expensive photograph ever sold – US$4.3 million

The photograph: Rheinn II.

The price tag: US$4.3 million.

The facts: The photograph was taken was German visual artist Andreas Gursky in 1999, with a print being sold in 2011 for the record-breaking price. Looking at the image, we’re not sure we get it, but hey – art is objective… right?

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#41 The world’s most expensive carpet – US $4.4 million

The carpet: Louis XV Savonnerie Carpet.

The price: Sold at auction in New York in 2000 for US$4,406,000.

The facts: The carpet, measuring 18 by 19 feet, belonged to Louis XV, with Guinness noting it was likely made for Louis XV’s Chateau de la Mouette residence, circa 1740 to 1750.

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#40 The world’s most expensive audio speakers – $5 million

The tech: Hart Audio speakers.

The price tag: $5 million.

The facts: The world’s most expensive audio system boasts a 76cm cabinet that has been cast in 24-carat gold.

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#39 The world’s most expensive guitar sold at auction: US$6.01 million

The guitar: Kurt Cobain's iconic 'MTV Unplugged' guitar from the 1993 performance is a left-handed 1959 Martin D-18E.

The price tag: Sold at a charity auction for US$6.01 million.

A famed dress once belonging to Marilyn Monroe on display

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#38 The world’s most expensive dress bought at auction – US$4.8 million

The dress: The custom jewel-encrusted dress that Monroe famously wore as she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy in 1962.

The price tag: Originally costing US$12,000 to make, the record-setting gown was purchased by Ripley's Believe It or Not! (USA) for US $4.8 million.

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#37 The world’s most expensive veteran (pre-1905) car – over US$7 million

The car: The oldest Rolls-Royce, a two-seater numbered 20154, made in 1904.

The price tag: US$7,242,916, sold at auction in London in 2007.

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#36 The world’s most expensive limited-edition tablet – US$8 million

The tablet: Stuart Hughes iPad 2 Gold History Edition.

The price tag: US$8 million.

The facts: Luxury goods design brand Stuart Hughes made only a small handful of these tablets, which are encrusted with gold, diamond, Ammolite, 53 gems, 12.5-carat diamonds and – believe it or not – dinosaur bone.

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#35 The world’s most expensive tank – US$8.5 million

The tank: The K2-Black Panther.

The price tag: The record-setting tanks, produced in South Korea, cost US$8.5 million each, with a 1,500 hp motor that allows for it to go 70km/hr.

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#34 The world’s most expensive postage stamp – US$9.48 million

The stamp: The British Guiana.
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The price tag: The stamp was bought for $9,480,000 at Sotheby's in 2014.

The President’s personal copy of the Acts of Congress on display at auction

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#33 The world’s most expensive autograph – US$9.8 million

The autograph: George Washington’s Acts of Congress.

The price tag: US$9.8 million.

The facts: In a 2018 ranking of the most expensive autographs to date, George Washington’s signed Acts of Congress took the lead, having been sold at the near-ten-million-dollar mark at a Sotheby’s auction in 2012.

Turbine motorcycle on the track at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed

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#32 The world’s most expensive motorcycle – US$11 million

The motorcycle: While the bikes on this list vary, one that keeps coming up time and again is the ultra-exclusive Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter motorcycle, which topped out Wealthy Gorilla's roundup of the most expensive motorcycles in the world.

The price tag: US$11 million.

Honorable mention goes to another category of record-breaking motorcycles, the MTT Turbine Superbike, which, at a cost of US$185,000, holds the Guinness World Record for being the most expensive production motorcycle ever to go on sale.

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#31 The world’s most expensive wedding dress – US$12 million

The dress: A dress created for the Luxury Brands Lifestyle Bridal Show in 2006, made in partnership by Martin Katz Jewellers and Renee Strauss.

The price tag: US$12 million.

The facts: The record-setting custom gown was adorned with 150 carats’ of diamonds.

A visitor to a Brooklyn museum looks at an art installation by Damien Hirst

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#30 The world’s most expensive art installation to be sold– US$12 million

The piece: Titled Dead Shark – a 1991 Damien Hirst creation, originally titled The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living.

The price tag: US$12 million.

The facts: The installation was created by Hirst using the preserved carcass of a shark and is presently owned by a hedge fund owner who has elected to remain anonymous in spite of his record-setting buy.

Model Heidi Klum wears the 2001 Heavenly Star bra by Victoria’s Secret

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#29 The world’s most expensive bra – US$12.5 million

The bra: Heavenly Star Bra by Victoria’s Secret.

The price tag: US$12,500,000.

The facts: Made in 2001, the record-setting bra features 1,200 pink sapphires with a 90-carat emerald at its center, this diamond detail being worth US$10.6 million of the total value of the bra.

Rear view of a limited edition Rolls Royce Sweptail driving off during an event

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#28 The world’s most expensive limited-edition car – US$13 million

This one is tricky. Because the automobile industry is a revolving door of the latest-and-greatest, and "most expensive" can take your wallet from collector models to brand-new makes, we decided to take our cues from Driving.ca and go with something ultra-luxurious and personalized.

The car: The Rolls Royce Sweptail.

The price tag: First you have to find it – and given its limited edition numbers, that original US$13 million price tag will likely be substantially higher once you do. That’s because only 4,000 Sweptail vehicles were rolled out, crafted to the preferred specifications of one special customer whose identity has never been released.

The facts: Bespoke seating, panoramic sunroof, centre-console champagne dispenser, leather-wrapped casing for your laptop and more make this the coolest car you may never actually see in person.

The Bay Psalm Book at auction on display

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#27 The world’s most expensive book of scripture sold at auction – over US$14 million

The book: Bay Psalm Book, dating from the year 1640 and credited with being the first book ever printed in British North America.

The price tag: Sold at a Sotheby’s New York auction in 2013 for US$14,165,000 – the highest price ever paid for a book in auction.

The facts: Just 1,700 copies were produced, and the book sold at auction was one of only 11 remaining copies.

Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri holds the most expensive license plate in the world

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#26 The world’s most expensive license plate – US$14.2 million

The license plate: The most expensive license plate ever sold, according to Guinness, consists of just a single digit – 1.

The price tag: The license plate was sold during a special auction by Emirates Auction Company, sold for US$14.2 million.

The facts: The buyer? UAE businessman Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri, who is quoted as having said at the time: "The price is fair. After all, who among us does not want to be number one?"

Juliet roses on display at the Chelsea Flower Show

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#25 The world’s most expensive flower – US$15.8 million for a bouquet

The flower: the Juliet Rose.

The price tag: It would cost about US$15.8 million to assemble a sizeable bouquet of the flowers.

The facts: This particular species of rose took 15 years to create and was first displayed in 2006 at the Chelsea Flower Show. One of the biggest draws to this flower is its unique method of bloom, as its buds beautifully shift in tone and colour to create a uniquely spectacular (and record-holding) blossom.

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#24 The world’s most expensive musical instrument sold at auction – nearly US$16 million

The musical instrument: Stradivarius violin named Lady Blunt.

The price tag: US$15,875,800 (sold at auction in London in 2011).

CEO of the London Mint examines a glass-encased 1933 Double Eagle coin

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#23 The world’s most expensive coin – over US$18 million

The coin: 1933 Double Eagle, a $20 gold coin.

The price tag: US$$18,872,250.

The facts: The coin was sold at auction in New York via Sotheby’s.

A digitally scanned page from Leonardo da Vinci’s famed manuscript

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#22 The world’s most expensive illustrated manuscript to be sold – over US$30 million

The manuscript: Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Hammer.

The price tag: Bill Gates placed the winning bid in 1994 for US$30,802,000.

The facts: A highly-detailed journal containing da Vinci’s varied thoughts and illustrations – one of 30 remaining journals by the famed artist and named after the British nobleman who first obtained it in 1717. Bill Gates bought the journal in 1994 and in 1997, released its contents via digital scan into the world.

A woman poses by a rare drawing by Raphael at a Christie’s auction

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#21 The world’s most expensive drawing by an Old Master sold at auction – US$47.9 million

The drawing: Raphael’s Head of a Muse.

The price tag: Sold for US$47.9 million at a 2009 Christie’s auction in London.

The facts: The record-setting piece was initially estimated to be sold for US$20 million, but ultimately sold for well over that.

Nita Ambani with an inset image of the gold and pink diamond cell phone

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#20 The world’s most expensive custom phone ever made – US$48.5 million

The phone: Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond.

The price tag: This custom-designed iPhone cost a whopping US$48.5 million. Yup, you read that right.

The facts: The owner of this over-the-top phone is Nita Ambani, wife to successful Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani. According to ValueWalk.com, the phone itself is 24-carat gold, featuring an enormous pink diamond and platinum coating.

Man sitting at a desk holds cash in one hand as he types into a keyboard with the other

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#19 The world’s most expensive domain name ever sold – US$49.7 million

The domain: CarInsurance.com.

The price tag: According to Wikipedia, the domain was sold in 2010 for US$49.7 million.

The facts: The site (you guessed it!) helps you find the best car insurance rates. Clearly someone really wanted it for their company, but would you blow just under US$50 million on a fancy domain name? Hey, to each their own…

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#18 The world’s most expensive diamond necklace – US$55 million

The necklace: L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace.

The price tag: 407.48 carats, white diamonds and 18-karat rose gold make this yellow diamond necklace worthy of its US$55 million price tag.

The facts: The spectacular diamond was first discovered in the Congo over three decades ago.

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#17 The world’s most expensive watch – US$55 million

The watch: Graff Diamonds Hallucination.

The price tag: US$55 million.

The facts: Crafted with 110 carats of diamonds in a rainbow of colours, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination watch qualifies more as art piece than timepiece.

A woman holds up a pair of mismatched diamond earrings

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#16 The world’s most expensive earrings sold at auction – US$57.4 million

The earrings: mismatched pair of coloured diamond earrings, sold separately at the same auction (no word on whether or not the same buyer bought both).

The price tag: Sold separately at auction via Sotheby’s at the Geneva Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale for a combined US$57.4 million.

The facts: The earrings were named after the ancient Greek twin deities Apollo and Artemis, with Sotheby’s noting that these earrings are the most valuable ever presented at auction.

Orange Balloon Dog art piece by Jeff Koons on display at an auction

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#15 The world’s most expensive work by a living artist – US$58.4 million

The work: Balloon Dog (Orange) by artist Jeff Koons.

The price tag: US$58.4 million, sold to an anonymous buyer in New York City for US$58.3 million in 2013.

The facts: The record-holding stainless steel structure measures in at 12-feet tall!

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#14 The world’s most expensive vintage sports car – US$70 million

The car: 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO.

The price tag: Recently sold to WeatherTech founder and CEO David MacNeil, this particular model of 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO happened to also be a Tour de France-winner, fetching US$70 million in its record-setting sale.

The facts: Buyer MacNeil, whose fortune is rooted in his early-days sale of high-end floor mats, is a Ferrari-fanatic, to say the least. Among his collection, you’ll find a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, 250 GT Lusso and 275 GTB, just to name a few.

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#13 The world’s most expensive jewel – US$71.2 million

The jewel: The Pink Star, an oval-shaped diamond with 59.6-carats.

The price tag: The Pink Star was sold in 2017 at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong for $US71.2 million.

The facts: The diamond was first discovered in an African mine in 1999 and noted on the Sotheby’s website as the jewel with the highest price paid for any work sold at auction in Asia.

The “Flag” painting by Jasper Johns being handled by an employee at an auction

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#12 The world’s most expensive painting by a living artist – US$110 million

The painting: Flag (1958) by artists Jasper Johns of the U.S.

The price tag: Sold privately in 2010 to hedge fund billionaire Steven A. Cohen for US$110 million, setting the record for most expensive painting by a living artist.

A woman in silhouette looks into the Alberto Giacometti sculpture “Pointing Man” at an exhibit

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#11 The world’s most expensive sculpture sold at auction – US$141.28 million

The sculpture: Titled L’homme au doight (“Pointing Man,” 1947) and sculpted by Alberto Giacometti.

The price tag: Sold in 2015, the sculpture fetched US$141.28 million.

The facts: L’homme au doight translates quite literally to what the sculpture portrays: a 5-foot 10-inch bronze statue of a man with one arm extended in a "pointing" fashion and holds its most expensive record with Guinness World Records.

Man stands on the deck of a luxury yacht

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#10 The world’s most expensive concept yacht for sale right now – €185 million

The boat: For the most expensive yacht that’s currently for sale on the market, we present Project Infinity. This 104-metre luxury yacht is currently being built in Germany, set for delivery in 2020.

The price tag: For early bidders, BoatInternational.com has Project Infinity listed for sale for a cool €185 million.

The facts: 16-guest accommodations, room for a crew of 36, a helideck, glass elevator, indoor and outdoor cinema, and beach club, just to name a few of its features. Keep reading for the most expensive super-yacht (not for sale) on our list – and yes, there’s a difference.

A famous painting of men playing cards by Paul Cezanne

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#9 The world’s most expensive oil painting sold through private sale – US$250 million

The painting: The Card Players.

The price tag: Just one piece from the collection has been sold, at a price of US$250 million by the Royal Family of Qatar and holds a secondary record as the second-most expensive piece of art ever sold in the world’s history.

The facts: The rare collection of paintings are by famous French Post Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne, and are some of the best-known and widely recognized oil paintings in the world.

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#8 The world’s most expensive painting sold via private sale – US$300 million

The painting: The painting, titled Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) was painted in 1892 by artist Paul Gaugin.

The price tag: The painting set the world record for most expensive when it was sold via private sale in 2015 for US$300 million.

Interior views of the luxurious Dream Jet by Deer Jet

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#7 The world’s most expensive private jet – US$300 million

The plane: The Dream Jet, BBJ 787.

The price tag: US$300 million, and for those who charter its services, you can expect to pay US$70,000 per hour.

The facts: As detailed on Beam.com the 220-square-foot luxury jet offers seating for 40 passengers, who would be able to travel for 20 hours without any stops. Its operating company, Deer Jet, estimates that even shorter flight charters will run customers almost US$500,000 per fight. The plane itself features private dining areas, a master bedroom with a private en-suite bathroom, as well as a dressing room, TV area, and lounge.

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#6 The world’s most expensive military aircraft (per unit) – US$1.3 billion

The aircraft: US-made B-2 Spirit, a long-range multi-role bomber.

The price tag: US$1.3 billion.

The facts: Guinness notes this aircraft has special coatings as well as a "flying-wing" design. These features work in conjunction to make the plane practically invisible to radar.

The 27-storey skyscraper personal residence in India known as “Antilla”

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#5 The world’s most expensive private residential property – US$2 billion

The house: Welcome to Antilla, a 27-storey personal skyscraper that Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani calls home in Mumbai, India. If his last name sounds familiar, it should: Ambani’s wife also made an appearance on our list with the record of "most expensive phone" – a reminder: her custom iPhone rang in it a staggering US$48.5 million. Talk about a record-setting power couple!

The price tag: This sprawling abode cost Ambani US$2 billion to build in 2010, making it the world's most expensive private residence.

The facts: The skyscraper boasts 400,000 square feet of living space, three helipads, a theatre, health spa… the list goes on. It takes 600 full-time staff to maintain the property 24/7.

The Hubble Space Telescope with the backdrop of Earth

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#4 The world’s most expensive telescope – US$2.1 billion

The telescope: Hubble Space Telescope.

The price tag: US$2.1 billion.

The facts: The Hubble Space Telescope holds the Guiness World Record for being the most expensive telescope in the world. It was first launched in April of 1990 and is responsible for several major discoveries since then, including confirmation that our universe is expanding and helping to pin down the age of the universe.

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#3 The world’s most expensive custom superyacht – US$4.8 billion

The yacht: The History Supreme ranks on our list as the most expensive custom superyacht – and no, it’s not for sale.

The price tag: US$4.8 billion, bought by a Malaysian businessman who elected to remain anonymous, but commissioned the custom yacht to luxury design brand Stuart Hughes.

The facts: This superyacht is in a league of its own, partially made from solid gold and platinum, as well as containing statues crafted from authentic dinosaur bones – because when you’ve got billions to spend on a boat – why not? Luxury Launches tagged this as the most expensive yacht in 2011 and to date, no other commissioned custom yacht has taken the title.

Silhouette of a helicopter in-air lifting a package from the ground

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#2 The world’s most expensive helicopter – US$13.2 billion

The helicopter: proposed fleet of 28 VH71 Kestrel helicopters.

The price tag: The estimate for this proposed fleet was set at US$13.2 billion, setting the record for most expensive helicopter.

The facts: While the estimated cost solidifies its record as most expensive, it also prompted a halt in the program in 2009, when the proposal was set for re-evaluation of costs.

A man stands in silhouette next to the massive Itaipu Dam

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#1 The world’s most expensive man-made object on Earth – US$19.6 billion

The object: The Itaipu hydroelectric dam on the Parana River.

The price tag: If you think US$19.6 billion is a hefty price tag in today’s market, consider this: the Itaipu Dam cost that when it was completed in 1984.

The facts: The complex consists of four combined dams, joined to create its total length of 23,737 feet, and according to Wikipedia, its hydroelectric power plant was able to produce the most energy (of any kind) in 2016.

Written BySusy Alexandre