What makes an item worth millions of dollars? Is it its history, rarity, or simply the prestige of owning it? Across the Arab world, auctions have seen jaw-dropping sales of objects that carry deep cultural, historical, and artistic significance.
From ancient manuscripts to luxury collectibles, these items have captured the attention of collectors willing to pay staggering sums to own them. Let’s explore some of the extraordinary pieces that have commanded record-breaking prices at auction!
1. Umayyad Gold Dinar—$5.9 Million
One of the rarest and most historically significant Islamic coins ever sold was an Umayyad gold dinar from 723 AD (105H). This item fetched £3.7 million (approximately $5.9–6.1 million USD in 2011) at Morton & Eden’s auction in London. Struck from gold mined at a site owned by the Caliph himself, the coin bears the inscription “Mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hejaz”. That makes it the earliest known Islamic coin to mention a location in present-day Saudi Arabia.
Scholars believe this dinar may have been minted to commemorate a pilgrimage led by the Umayyad Caliph to Mecca. With only a handful of these coins in existence, fierce bidding drove the price far beyond its estimated value. Because of that, it’s one of the most valuable Islamic coins in history.
2. Timurid Quran Manuscript—$8.8 Million
A rare 15th-century Quran from Iran, written on Chinese paper, sold for $8.8 million (£7 million) at Christie’s London in 2020—nearly 12 times its estimated value. This Timurid-era manuscript, penned in Naskh Arabic script, features vibrant Ming dynasty-era pages in shades of blue, turquoise, pink, and gold.
Its gold-illuminated calligraphy and intricate Safavid binding make it a masterpiece of Islamic art. The Timurid rulers, known for their patronage of Persian culture, helped shape the artistic traditions later carried on by the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires.
3. Shah Tahmasp’s ‘Book of Kings’ Folio—$9 Million
One of the most stunning pieces of Islamic art ever sold, a folio from Shah Tahmasp’s Shahnameh fetched $9 million at Sotheby’s London in 2022. This 16th-century Persian masterpiece is part of the Shahnameh, or Book of Kings, an epic poem recounting Persian history and mythology.
The folio, illustrated in the royal ateliers of Tabriz, depicts the legendary hero Rustam recovering his horse, Rakhsh. Originally commissioned by Shah Ismail I, completed under Shah Tahmasp, and later gifted to the Ottoman Sultan Selim II, it remains one of the most celebrated illustrated manuscripts in the world.
4. P 7 Dubai License Plate—$15 Million
In Dubai, even a license plate can be a luxury item. In 2023, an anonymous bidder spent a staggering $15 million (55 million dirhams) on plate number P 7, making it the most expensive license plate ever sold. The design appears to be just the number 7, with the P subtly off to the side.
The auction, held by Emirates Auction, was part of a charity event supporting Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s 1 Billion Meals Endowment. Vanity plates have long been a status symbol in the UAE, with ultra-wealthy buyers paying millions for these exclusive numbers to showcase prestige and exclusivity.
5. Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet—$33.8 Million
At first glance, it may seem surprising that a carpet could sell for tens of millions of dollars. But this is no ordinary rug! The Clark Sickle-Leaf Carpet, a 17th-century Persian masterpiece, shattered records when it sold for $33.8 million at Sotheby’s in 2013.
Woven in Kerman, Iran, it features an intricate sickle-leaf pattern using a rare “vase” technique on a deep red background. Originally owned by U.S. Senator William Clark, it was donated to the Corcoran Gallery of Art before being auctioned.
Four bidders competed fiercely for over ten minutes before an anonymous buyer secured it. This remains the most expensive carpet ever sold, a testament to the craftsmanship and historical significance of Persian rugs.
The Value of Rarity
From ancient manuscripts to modern collectibles, the record-breaking prices of these items highlight the enduring appeal of rare and historically significant artifacts. Whether rooted in history, culture, or sheer exclusivity, each piece reflects a story that captivates collectors and enthusiasts alike. These sales prove that rarity, provenance, and prestige continue to drive the world of high-stakes auctions!
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