3 Record-breaking Fabergé Egg Auctions That Shattered Price Expectations

By Author: Alex Ruegg
Total Articles: 2
Comment this article

Fabergé eggs have captivated collectors for more than a century, renowned not only for their elegance, but also for their remarkable price and imperial heritage. In a recent focus, Auction Daily shed light upon three historical auctions that reshaped what a fabergé egg price can be in today's high-end collectibles market.

Winter Egg – Christie's New York, 2002

Worn in 1913 and made of rock crystal, platinum, gold, and thousands of diamonds, the Winter Egg is among the most intricate Imperial works. Presented by Tsar Nicholas II to his mother, the Empress, this egg contained a surprise quartz flower basket, now regarded as being among the most expensive ever produced.

When it appeared at Christie's in 2002, its estimated price was USD 4–6 million. However, with very high demand, the hammer fell at over USD 9.5 million, establishing a new standard for fabergé egg price at that time. Collectors soon took notice because such records directly influence the way people view a faberge egg for sale on subsequent auctions.

The Third Imperial Easter Egg – Rediscovered, 2014

This long-lost ...
... Fabergé egg was unwittingly bought by a scrap metal merchant in the U.S. for approximately USD 13,000. Decades spent in a kitchen cupboard only ended when an inquiring investigation into its stamps proved it to be the lost Third Imperial Egg, made for Tsar Alexander III in 1887.

After being authenticated, it was valued at an estimated USD 33 million. Its sensational rediscovery highlighted how volatile the fabergé egg price market can be—and how quickly treasures may lie hidden in plain sight. It's now a warning for anyone who comes across a faberge egg for sale without verifying its origins.

Rothschild Egg – Christie's London, 2007

In 2007, a surprise emerged from the Rothschild family private collection. The Rothschild Egg, which was created in 1902 as an engagement present, contained a magnificent mechanical cockerel that popped out every hour to beat its wings and crow. With engineering, artistry, and heritage combined, this egg was just amazing.

When it was auctioned at Christie's in London, it shattered all previous records, selling for £8.98 million (c. USD 12.6 million). It was the most valuable fabergé egg ever sold at auction at the time, setting not only a record for Russian art but also for watches and decorative objects d'art. It contributed to pushing public perception about the rising fabergé egg price curve.

Why These Eggs Fetch Such Premium Prices

The mix of royal heritage, ornate craftsmanship, and rarity makes Fabergé eggs extremely valuable. Just 50 Imperial eggs were ever made, and fewer than that exist today. Every one that appears on the open market has a story to tell and generates huge interest from museums and high-end collectors.

But what really motivates the value is the artistry. The Fabergé workshop combined goldsmithing, enameling, gems, and secret surprises into each work of art. When you catch sight of an authentic faberge egg for sale, you're not merely purchasing a product—you're purchasing imperial Russian heritage.

Also, when rediscovered these scarce artifacts—like in the Third Imperial Egg case—their tales make a media sensation, driving fabergé egg price to much higher than usual luxury standards.

For Collectors Eyeing the Market

If you see a faberge egg for sale today, it is worth closely examining the listing. Genuine Imperial eggs are almost always found in museum collections or with large private collectors. Modern Fabergé-marked eggs do exist, but they are not of the same quality or historic significance.
Having said that, the Fabergé name continues to be a draw in the art and antiques world. As every auction record breaker happens, the price of fabergé eggs keeps increasing, transforming these gems into mythic investments. Even copies or interpretations are given an added status by the name.

Want more auction news? Browse our news channel for the latest.
annel for the latest.