Sometimes we accidentally (or intentionally) pay too much. Later, that coincidence eats at us, leaving a sweet-bitter memory. But what do people really overpay for? These stories will let you compare your pace of spending — and maybe feel just a little bit better about your own wallet.
1. The $7 Million Pizza Deal (That Wouldn’t Seem So Crazy Today)
Back in 2010, a Florida programmer traded 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. At the time, it seemed absurd — and it was often laughed off. But fast-forward to today: those bitcoins would be worth over $800 million. So yes, that pizza meal just became the costliest takeaway in history.
2. The Telegraph That Cost More Than a Mansion
When Nevada was becoming a U.S. state, Governor James W. Nye got frustrated that a land-sea mail delivery failed. So instead he wired the state constitution by telegraph — at a cost of $4,303.27, which equals about $86,514 today. That’s one expensive message.
3. A Banana, a Wall, and $120,000
In 2019, conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan sold a banana duct-taped to a wall for $120,000. The piece, titled Comedian, wasn’t about fruit — it was about value, trust, and context. Later the same artist made an 18K gold toilet worth $5 million. Art can ask tough questions — like what we’re willing to pay just to believe in the value behind an idea.
4. Jeans From 1873 That Were Worth $100,000
An “oldest” pair of Levi’s jeans — said to date from 1873 and found in a Nevada mine — sold at auction for around $100,000. Authenticity wasn’t even guaranteed by Levi’s itself. Turns out, vintage can cost more than you’d expect.
5. When Furniture Became a Seven-Figure Statement
The 18th-century Badminton Cabinet is the most expensive piece of furniture ever sold: in 2004 it fetched $36.7 million. Carved ebony, inlaid with semi-precious stones, commissioned in 1726 — proof that décor can become legacy (or regret) depending on your taste — and your budget.
Final Thoughts
Time is the most valuable thing we have. Money comes and goes, but seconds don’t return. Thanks for spending some of your time with me. I hope you found something here that made you nod — or wince just a little. If you enjoyed this, you might like my earlier piece: World’s Most Expensive Things.