20 Most Expensive Religious Artefacts in the World that you should know about

Have you ever heard about the most expensive religious artefacts in the world? If not then you should read this article without any hesitation.

Art objects have a special meaning in the world, whether it is cultural, historical or religious. The value of art objects increases when they are associated with some religious faith or any belief. So we should not be surprised that religious artefacts can be extremely expensive.

With the passage of time, these artefacts were discovered. Some of these are artefacts that were actually made by hand, but over time, they become valuable history.

Therefore, in this article of My English Lobby, we have collected 20 Ancient Art Relics from around the world that has religious beliefs associated with ancient people or modern society. Some of this may even be a fraud. However, it should be considered the acceptance of those around you.

Some of these antiquities may confuse the reader. Therefore, the reader is advised to understand.

The estimated value may be our gross calculation, the exact amount paid for its acquisition, or the combined present value. However, these values ​​may vary according to one’s belief in their value.

So, Let’s have a look at these 20 Most Expensive Religious Artefacts in the World…

20. The Georgian Cross (Estimated $3,000)

At the twentieth number, in Most Expansive, Religious Artefacts is ‘The Georgian Cross’, also known as The Grapevine Cross, which is believed to be inscribed by the Virgin Mary. He handed it over to Santa Nio, a Cappadocian preacher in Iberia.

Santa Nio deftly defended the cross by wearing it with his hair. In the 4th century AD, this cross was brought to Georgia. This was when Christianity had become the official religion of the Iberian Empire.

In the year 541, this grapevine cross was placed for the first time in the Svetskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia. It travelled from Armenia to Russia during the war until it was returned to Georgia by Russian Emperor Alexander-I in 1802.

Now, this cross is kept with great care in the Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia. It has never been sold for money. However, according to some experts, this cross is worth at least $3,000.

19. The Tunic of the Blessed Virgin (Estimated $4,700)

Comes next on this list is ‘The Tunic of the Blessed Virgin’ is a garment (gown) believed to have been worn by the Virgin Mary. It is also known as Sancta Camisa.

According to beliefs, this was the dress that Mary wore at the time of the birth of Jesus. It was presented to Charlemagne by Emperor Constantine VI during his visit to Jerusalem. He later moved it to a Chartres Cathedral in France in 876.

In 1194, a church was destroyed by fire. However, the Garment miraculously survived. But this myth has never been confirmed by any evidence.

However, millions of people visit the Gothic Church every year to see this Religious Artefact. And it still costs at least $4,700. If a myth turns out to be true, its price will skyrocket.

18. The Shroud of Turin (Estimated $5,000)

The eighteenth number is ‘Shroud of Turin’. Millions of people from all over the world come to Turin Cathedral in Italy to see the Shroud of Turin. It is believed that when the Messiah was buried, this cloth was draped over him.

How did it get to Turin? It has a long story. In 70 AD, Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman Empire, and then this cloth was taken to Edessa. Then in 944, troops of the Byzantine army invaded Edessa and took the Shroud of Turin to Constantinople. In the attack of 1204, the Templar knights defended this sacred cloth and in 1307 France took them down.

France owned the cloth until it was sold in 1452 to the Duke of Savoy in exchange for two castles. Finally, in 1982 the Savoy family formally wished for the Catholic Church. For security reasons, the cloth was kept in Turin from 1578.

However, carbon-dating tests show that the cloth was made around the year 1300. This fact is contrary to the beliefs of many people. It is only now the historical value of Christianity. So now its price has dropped from the price of those two palaces to $5,000.

17. Mjölnir (Estimated $8,000)

I know, seeing this, you must have felt like a hammer of the God of Thunder at a glance, but alas, it is not that thing. In fact, this Mjölnir is an amulet from the 10th century. Its length is 2.5 cm.

This proves the existence of the mythical Thor. It was discovered in Denmark. It is believed that they certainly influenced Vikings, Mythology and Jewellery to a great extent. However, that thing is different that he was not that powerful God.

The amulet was discovered by an amateur archaeologist, Torben Christiansen, with the help of a metal detector. This amulet is kept in the National Museum of Denmark.

This amulet has silver and gold plating marks that have been cast in bronze. This is what gives it a value of about $8,000

16. A Roman Marble Torso of Bacchus (Estimated $9,500)

The ancient Romans made statues of their gods. One of them, Bacchus, was the God of wine. According to Greek mythology, he is Dionysos, the last of the Twelve Olympians.

The Romans worshipped the Bacchus in return for the fertility and blessings of their crops and vegetation.

The 36-centimetre-high marble torso of Bасchus was taken from the ruins and ancient castles of Rome dating back to 1 AD. Unfortunately, many similar sculptures were traded among collectors instead of being preserved.

This artwork is actually being sold under export approval from the Israel Antiquities Authority.  So, if you’re willing to spend $9,500, you can have this piece of Roman sculpture for yourself.

15. Mary’s Holy Belt (Estimated $10,000)

The Sacred Belt of Mary, the Sacra Centola, is a belt worn by the Virgin Mary.  This is a handwoven belt made of camel hair.  Legend has it: She handed it to Thomas the Apоstle before she ascended to heaven.

It was placed permanently in the 14th century. St. Mary’s Church in Homs, Syria, displays this sacred belt only five times a year at a certain time. Those times are 8 September (Mary’s birthday), Christmas, Easter Year, 15 August and 1 May.

It is said that there was an underground church secretly below St. Mary’s Church, which was built in 50 AD. Since then, the church has become the permanent seat of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese.

The real truth behind this piece of this belt is not yet known. However, according to experts, the price of this ancient artefact is at least not less than $10,000.

14. Chanukah Dreidel (Estimated $14,000)

The next one, the artefact, isn’t that old. In fact, it was created by Pedro Maldonado just a few months earlier. However, it is one of the most common marks of Jewish tradition, called The Dreidel.

During the Chanukah holiday, it is customary to play the dreidel game, and even though it is expensive and the dreidel was just for show.

However, this dreidel spins. It rotates at the point of the diamond. The dreidel was designed in sterling silver with Tiffany frames, adorned with jewellery, with gold plates.

It now belongs to Chabad of South Palm Beach, Florida. According to the Guinness World Records book, this dreidel is recorded for $14,000. It was the world’s most valuable dreidel on 13 November 2015.

13. Tibetan Temple Entrance (Estimated $19,500)

An Introduction to the Tibetan Temple of God, sold by dealers in Asheville, North Carolina State. However, this artefact is completely a heritage of Tibet.

In olden times, it was used as a shrine. It is made of teak wood with unique, traditional wood carvings. Some of them are Gargoyles, Circles and Doves. They represent the physical and spiritual worlds.

However, the exact date of construction of this building is not known and no specific information has been received about how it was mined from this area.

This 122-inch Tibetan temple is being offered by Artefact Collectors for a collection of $19,500.

12. The James Ossuary (Estimated $50,000)

In the 1st century AD, people used to put the dead bodies in the cave and leave them there for a year. After some time those bones were kept in a box of limestone.

This is James’s Ossuary. It is believed to be the bones of James because the tombstone indicates something like this: “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus”.

Undoubtedly, it is one of the most important religious artefacts in the world. But, you must be wondering why only $50,000 for that?

The answers are the allegations of fraud. In fact, this box was known to be the most controversial. Oded Golan, the collector, was charged with forgery by the Israel Antiquities Authority. However, this claim has never been proven.

11. The Buddha’s Tooth (Estimated $71,000)

Yes, the big tooth you see is of Lord Buddha. Well, at least that’s what people believe.

It is a fact that Lord Buddha was cremated. But, perhaps for some reason, one of his teeth was left behind. Either, it must have come down from the middle of the fire and survived or it must have already been taken out. Whatever it is, now it is left as a symbolic representation of Lord Buddha.

This tooth is kept in a Kandy temple, which is located in Sri Lanka. The surprising thing is that this temple is called the Temple of Tooth. History is witness that there have been many battles behind this tooth.

Historical legend: Abhayagiri Vihara was considered the home of the tooth. However, the Portuguese attacked the island and captured it. Then, Burma, the king of Bago, offered £50,000 (about $71,000) in exchange for this tooth.

This tooth of Lord Buddha is used in ceremonies, rituals and sacrifices. This tooth is under the strict supervision of the Mahanayakas of Malwatte, Diyavadan Nilame of Maligawa and Asgiriya.

10. Iraqi Jewish Bible (Estimated $100,000)

In 2003, Harold Rhode attacked the headquarters of Saddam Hussein’s service in Iraq with a US invasion force. They found thousands of other ancient religious artefacts in the flooded basement. One of them was the ‘Jewish Bible’.

This Jewish Bible is about 500 years old today. It was sent under the protection of the United States.

The condition of the Bible was very bad. It was somewhat rotten due to floods. In some parts, it was even torn. In addition, they found other valuable manuscripts, including the Zohar (from 1815), the Babylonian Talmud (1793), and a fragment of the Torah scroll, along with a part of the Book of Genesis.

The Jewish Bible, currently held at the National Archives in Washington, DC. Despite its poor condition, it still costs a minimum of $100,000.

9. Christ Vargueño Cabinet (Estimated $195,000)

The next artefact is our Vergueño cabinet, which dates back to about the 16th century. It was built in 1560. He is actually from Spain.

In fact, it was sold in the United States by an antique dealer in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was offered a suggested retail price of $195,000.

It is made entirely of Enamel, Iron and Ivory. Apart from their material values, it also has a lot of religious value. It is believed to be a cabinet used by a Christian community in a church or home.

The outside side is very creatively painted in high relief with scenes from the Crucifixion of the Messiah. The walls were engraved with the portraits of the four Evangelists & when you open it, you find four enamelled paintings from the life of Christ.

8. “Father, Take This Chalice Away From Me” (Estimated $892,500)

This Renaissance artefact dates back to the 16th century. It is 150 cm high and 85 cm wide. It is currently sold through an Antique Dealer in Carrosera, Spain.

The title: ‘Father, take this Chalice (cup) away from me’ is taken from the passage of the ‘Garden of Gethsemane’.

In this artefact, Jesus is sitting on his knees. He is in front of a landscape of golden braided acanthus leaves and looking upwards at a naked angel surrounded by clouds. That angel is offering a chalice to Jesus.

This artwork may not be directly related to Christ or the Virgin Mary. However, it is truly a masterpiece. So, if you want to own one of the most expensive pieces of religious monuments, be prepared to pay $892,500.

7. Death Mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun (Estimated $2 Million)

Howard Carter discovered the Death Mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922. There was also the tomb of King Tutankhamun, among other things.

King Tutankhamun ruled Egypt when he was only nine years old. He ruled the empire for ten years, until his death at the age of eighteen.

It appears that this Death Mask is the most valuable and in comparison to other items found in his grave. It is made of 11 kg of solid gold and is decorated with semi-precious stones.

In addition, the inner coffin of the tomb is also made of pure gold. It weighs about 100 pounds. In terms of price, the Death Mask and a Coffin cost around $2 million. Its priceless value of both its historical and religious aspects is not mentioned anywhere.

6. Codex Sinaiticus (Estimated $2.5 Million)

The Codex Sinaiticus is the most sacred and ancient Bible in the world. It is undoubtedly a great sacred treasure. This Codex Bible dates back to the 4th Century. This is a hand-written Bible, which is in the Greek Language.

It was kept in the British Library for several decades. However, it was removed from there only twice. The first time, for security reasons during World War II and the second time, for an exhibition at the British Museum.

Then, In 1933, Britain took over the Holy Bible from the Soviet Union. Ramsay McDonald offered Joseph Stalin £100,000 for this. The Soviet government accepted this offer of the amount because they needed the money.

Since 1933, the inflation rate of £100,000 is approximately $2.5 million today. Therefore, we can say that the Codex Sinaiticus is the most expensive of all religious artefacts in the world.

5. The Coffin of Pa-Di-Tu-Amun, Egypt, 945-889 BC (Estimated $ 3.2 Million)

If we talk about the coffin, then this Egyptian coffin will surprise you. This coffin proves the beautiful carvings, historical importance and artistic value of Egypt. It is richly decorated with colourful iconography.

This coffin of a weaver named Pa-Di-Tu-Amun is decorated with decorative features covering every surface. But interestingly, the cover of the coffin reflects more of a female characteristic. Both its lid and the tank are beautifully decorated in which Re-Harakhty-Atum and Osiris are shown invoking the Gods, while the name and genealogy of Pa-Di-Tu-Amun are written in the later features.

This embodiment of Egyptian funeral art is the most expensive relic ever to be auctioned off in recent years.

4. Greywacke Statue Tribute to Isis (Estimated $6 million)

History is a witness to the fact that the Egyptians have been giving priority to idol worship from the very beginning. If you ever visit Egypt, you will find strong connections between Egyptian pagan beliefs. The people there especially worshipped their deities by making idols and this is the reason that even today when archaeologists search, we get to see many valuable artefacts in the remains of Egypt.

The artefact we are going to talk about is Greywacke Statue Tribute to Isis. One of the most beloved and iconic Goddesses of Egypt was Isis who was the goddess of healing, the rites of the dead, and motherhood.

It is believed that thousands of years ago about 664-525 B.C. In AD, this greywacke statue was carved as a relic of worship and placed in a public place in Alexandria so that people or worshipers could seek the blessings of healing and comfort from the Goddess Isis.

The statue was acquired by a noble family in the 19th century and was auctioned at an auction with a sky-high price. Today the statue is worth about $6 million.

3. Harrington Commode (Estimated $6 million)

The next name in the list of Most Expensive Religious Artefacts comes from Harrington Commode. We know that the word Commode will put you in a bit of confusion as it is a euphemism for the toilet. But in reality, it is an ornamental chest of drawers decorated with beautiful artwork.

This beautiful specimen is associated with the Earl of Harrington from the 1700s. It is as beautiful as it is precious. He is believed to have bought it from Chippendale, a company that made cabinets, bar closets and other furniture. It is also believed that only rich class men could buy from that Chippendale. As of today’s price, it would be priceless as it cost $6 million when it was built.

2. Stone Relief Of A Winged Genie, Assyria, 883-859 BC (Estimated $30 Million)

Now the religious artefacts that we are going to talk about have broken all the records of the auction. The oldest piece of art sold in recent years is Assyrian relief, which has touched the figure of about $31 million. This is the second most expensive ancient art ever sold so expensive. Prior to this, in 2007, The Guennol Lioness was sold, which touched almost $57.2 million.

Seven feet high, a large, beautiful 400 carved relief panels adorned the palace of King Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud in Assyria. This royal portrait evoked a sense of purity and security for the king.

This ancient art was personally owned by Sir Austen Henry Layard, who clearly valued the skill and artistic monumentality of the ancient Assyrians.

1. The Crown Of Thorns (Undefined)

The last list of most expensive religious artefacts includes The Crown Of Thorns, the cost of which is probably hard to estimate. It is believed that when Jesus was crucified, this crown was placed on His head. In those days it was done to inflict pain and make fun of.

The relics claiming to be the crown are still present, which are located at many religious places in Europe. This relic piece is located in Belgium, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. These relics are displayed on the first Friday of the month during the holy period. One such piece is located in the Notre Dame Cathedral.

This sacred crown was once owned by Louis IX. This beautiful crown decorated with 13,134 gold pieces is very precious in itself. Its value is difficult to calculate. That’s why we put it last in our list of expensive religious artefacts.

Most Expensive Religious Artefacts: Summary

List of all Expensive Religious Artefacts at a Glance

1. The Crown Of Thorns (Undefined)
2. Stone Relief Of A Winged Genie, Assyria, 883-859 BC (Estimated $30 Million)
3. Harrington Commode (Estimated $6 million)
4. Greywacke Statue Tribute to Isis (Estimated $6 million)
5. The Coffin of Pa-Di-Tu-Amun, Egypt, Ca. 945-889 BC (Estimated $ 3.2 Million)
6. Codex Sinaiticus (Estimated $2.5 Million)
7. Death Mask of Tutankhamun (Estimated $2 Million)
8. Father, take this Chalice away from me (Estimated $892,000)
9. Christ Vargueño Cabinet (Estimated $195,000)
10. Iraqi Jewish Bible (Estimated $10,000)
11. The Buddha’s Tooth (Estimated $71,000)
12. The James Ossuary (Estimated $50,000)
13. Tibetan Temple Entrance (Estimated $19,500)
14. Chanukah Dreidel (Estimated $14,000)
15. Mary’s Holy Belt (Estimated $10,000)
16. Roman Marble Torso of Bacchus (Estimated $9500)
17. Mjölnir (Estimated $8000)
18. The Shroud of Turin (Estimated $5000)
19. The Tunic of the Blessed Virgin (Estimated $4700)
20. The Georgian Cross (Estimated $3000)

So till now, you have read about the world’s most expensive religious artefacts. These artefacts give evidence of the existence of our religion. Therefore it is our duty to preserve these religious artefacts.

Tell us your opinion about these artefacts in the comment section. If you liked this article, then share it with friends or family.