The Most Expensive Dice Ever Sold

A gorgeous twenty-sided etched glass die from 2nd century Rome holds the record for the highest price paid for a single gaming die – $17,925 at a 2003 Christie‘s auction. But in recent years, some modern artisan dice sets have approached astronomical values too. Custom metal, gemstone, and handcrafted luxury dice can command prices from the high hundreds up to $10,000 or more.

So what drives this elite dice market? As a gaming enthusiast and content creator, I decided to explore the inner workings of high-end dice collecting.

The Fabled Roman d20 – A 2nd Century Relic

The gorgeous deep blue-green Roman glass die surfaced at auction in 2003. Engraved with unique symbols on each facet, the d20 stunned auctioneers by shattering expectations. Bidding skyrocketed until the die finally hammered down at $17,925 – dwarfing previous records for gaming dice.

Christie‘s speculated on the die‘s use for divination or gaming in Ptolemaic Egypt. It‘s rare not only due to age, but uniquely engraved symbols versus standardized numbering. This one-of-a-kind history captured a passionate collector‘s imagination.

"The die invokes wonder about the hands it‘s passed between and games it‘s figured in over 2,000 years. That personal connection enthralls collectors." – Callie Ward, Dice Historian

So while no other gaming die has approached the Roman d20‘s value yet, some rarefied modern dice tempt collectors with luxurious materials and artisan craftsmanship.

Contemporary Dice Reaching Dizzying Heights

While not typical gaming implements, some bespoke dice stand out for astronomical price tags:

• A custom ocean theme set with turquoise faces engraved with sea creatures was listed for $900. Handcrafted by the URWizardry workshop.
• Sterling Kisses Jewelry prices a novelty set at $1,495. Crafted in 14k gold and black diamonds, the uniquely shaped skull beads function as d20s.
• Precision Play Dice‘s platinum and diamond encrusted "Master Set" retails for ~$10,000. Each d20 facet features a unique antique cut diamond.

For collectors and gaming royalty, money is no object in acquiring such elevated dice art.

"As a casino mogul, I‘ve indulged in custom dice cast from mammoth tusk, meteorites, even dino bone," an anonymous tycoon told me. "Though my bejeweled platinum set remains unparalleled for eliciting gasps around the table."

Characteristics That Drive Dice Value

While most game dice sell modestly from a few dollars to $100, unusual materials, bespoke crafting, and prestige factor can multiply prices astronomically.

"Provenance and recognizability influence perceived worth," remarks Callie Ward. "Elite creators and celebrity affiliation add more than material costs."

So while raw materials set the pricing floor, intangibles like prestige and history confer exponential value.

Expert Perspectives on all Things Dice

Wishing to go right to the source, I consulted prominent voices in the artists‘ dice community and collectors‘ circles. Here‘s what I learned about high roller habits.

Trends in materials?

"We constantly experiment with novel organics like coconut, tagua nut, and bog oak," URWizardry’s head artisan Ulla shared with me. "Space-age synthetics like glow resin and dichroic glass also captivate buyer interest."

Any limitations on custom orders?

“We once turned down an diamond and Actinium dice request,” Terry Tunberg of Precision Play Dice told me. “Some materials don’t respond well to prolonged contact with skin oils or friction exposure during rolls. We craft functional dice, not just ornamental objets d‘art.”

Advice for novices?

"Start by appreciating the mathematical beauty embodied in a perfect die,” collector Maximilian Goldstein opines. “Flawless symmetry, sharp cusps – that’s the bedrock. Next, look for appealing color patterns, intricate etching, a lucid translucency that draws the eye into crystalline depths…”

Maximilian continued waxing poetic until my phone storage maxed out. But his advice to beginners seems sound: appreciation of craft should trump fleeting materialism.

The future of elite dice?

“We dream of innovating dice incorporating kinetic energy capture, conductive circuitry for connectivity, or dynamic projecting displays,” Ulla teased. Her visions suggest artists will integrate cutting-edge tech into their work.

Final Thoughts on My Foray into Elite Dice

While I‘d love to own the Roman Engraved Twenty-Facet Die, my current income bracket can’t support five-figure gaming accessories (yet!). But learning about the intersection of art, history, and mathematics embedded in this rarefied market still thrilled me. The ingenuity of these artists and collectors who frame dice as heirlooms surprised me too. Even without indulging personally, I now better appreciate the nuances that make a fine die. My next quest? To discover the games favored by long ago owners of that gorgeous Ptolemaic engraving… perhaps a ancestor enjoyed similar diversion on the banks of the Nile, casting glass etched with cryptic symbols.