Home Editor Picks 12 Outrageous Things People Have Actually Spent Millions On

12 Outrageous Things People Have Actually Spent Millions On

Julie Ann September 22, 2025

From diamond-encrusted cars to pet clones, the ultra-wealthy have turned extravagance into an art form. Around the globe, people have shelled out millions for items that defy logic—and sometimes gravity. These purchases aren’t just about luxury; they’re bold statements and, at times, jaw-dropping oddities. Prepare to be amazed as we explore real-life examples of lavish spending, with stories backed by sources like Entrepreneur.

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1. The Pink Star Diamond

The Pink Star Diamond, weighing an astonishing 59.60 carats, became the world’s most expensive jewel ever auctioned when it sold for $71.2 million at Sotheby’s in 2017. Renowned for its exquisite vivid pink hue and flawless clarity, this gemstone is a marvel of nature and craftsmanship. Its sale shattered previous records, making headlines worldwide and captivating collectors and investors alike.

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2. Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi

In a record-shattering 2017 auction, Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi sold for an astounding $450.3 million, making it the most expensive painting ever purchased. This long-lost Renaissance artwork ignited fierce bidding wars and global fascination, with debates swirling about its authenticity and the secrecy surrounding its buyer. The sale pushed the boundaries of art market opulence, illustrating just how far collectors will go for a piece of history.

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3. The History Supreme Yacht

The History Supreme yacht is often cited as the world’s most expensive, with an alleged price tag of $4.8 billion. This extravagant vessel is said to be constructed with solid gold, platinum, and even meteorite fragments. While debates persist regarding its actual existence and ownership, the History Supreme’s legend continues to fascinate as the ultimate example of nautical opulence and luxury.

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4. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne

Paul Cézanne’s masterpiece, The Card Players, reportedly fetched over $250 million in a private 2011 sale to Qatar’s Royal Family. This staggering price underscores the astronomical sums that rare works by iconic artists can command among the world’s wealthiest collectors and cultural institutions. The acquisition marked a significant moment in art market history.

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5. The Ferrari 250 GTO

The Ferrari 250 GTO is revered as the ultimate collector’s car, with a single model selling for as much as $70 million. Produced in a limited run of just 36 vehicles, its legendary racing history, extreme rarity, and stunning Italian craftsmanship make it the “holy grail” for classic car enthusiasts. The 250 GTO’s record-breaking auction prices underscore its unmatched status in the automotive world.

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6. The Antilia Mansion

Antilia, the private Mumbai residence of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, is valued at over $2 billion, making it the most expensive home in the world. Spanning 27 stories, this architectural marvel features three helipads, a 50-seat movie theater, multiple swimming pools, and a staff of 600 to maintain its lavish amenities. Antilia’s sheer scale and luxury have made it a global symbol of personal extravagance.

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7. Damien Hirst’s For the Love of God

Damien Hirst’s For the Love of God is a dazzling skull sculpture encrusted with 8,601 diamonds. Sold for $100 million in 2007, this contemporary artwork exemplifies the astonishing heights of modern art market spending. The piece’s blend of luxury and shock value continues to spark debate and fascination.

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8. The Gigayacht Auction

In a headline-making eBay transaction in 2006, a 405-foot “Gigayacht” sold for an incredible $168 million. This floating palace boasts features such as a helicopter garage, a movie theater, and multiple swimming pools, placing it among the most expensive private vessels ever sold. The sale highlighted just how extravagant online auctions can become.

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9. The Domain Name ‘CarInsurance.com’

In 2010, the domain name CarInsurance.com was acquired for a staggering $49.7 million, ranking among the priciest digital assets ever sold. Premium domain names like this are coveted for their immense marketing potential and ability to drive massive web traffic, making them valuable investments for businesses.

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10. The Crystal Piano

The Heintzman Crystal Piano, famed for its transparent design and star appearance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, fetched $3.22 million at auction. This breathtaking instrument is considered the world’s most expensive piano, valued for both its musical excellence and its iconic Olympic legacy.

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11. The Dead Shark (Damien Hirst’s Art)

Damien Hirst’s provocative artwork, The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, features a tiger shark preserved in formaldehyde. This striking piece sold for an estimated $8-12 million, cementing its status as a contemporary art legend. Its blend of shock value and innovation has made it one of the most talked-about—and expensive—modern artworks ever sold.

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12. The Most Expensive Comic Book

A near-mint copy of Action Comics No. 1, famous for introducing Superman, sold for an astonishing $3.2 million in 2014. This iconic comic book is coveted by collectors for its immense cultural impact and its remarkable investment value, cementing its place in comic history.

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Conclusion

The allure of extravagant purchases captivates the imagination, revealing how immense wealth is used to pursue passion, prestige, and legacy. From remarkable art and rare cars to opulent homes and digital assets, these million-dollar acquisitions mirror the values and ambitions of both individuals and society. As fortunes continue to grow, so too do the boundaries of what’s possible—and what’s considered priceless.

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