Why are auctions so exciting?

Auctions have been around for more than 2000 years. They are exciting, and part of the fabric of society. In the early years, the ancient Greeks and Romans partook in auctions, auctioning off family estates and war plunder. It is however reported that the most noteworthy historical auctions occurred in 193 A.D. when the Praetorian Guard put the entire Roman Empire on the auction block.

It is this rich history that draws every generation of modern society to auctions, and the experience is thrilling. Even George Washington, America’s first president, was an avid auction buyer. But why do we, in a world of Instagram and Netflix, still value the thrill of an auction. The answer is simple. Curiosity.

Any auction buyer will tell you that the curiosity of what you can buy versus what you can get it for drives their continued interest in auctions. Of course, preparation, experience, strategy, research and a good understanding of the fees and payment terms associated with various auctions are crucial to one’s overall success. However, once these are under your belt, the thrill of participating in auctions kicks in. And what you can get at auction is truly magnificent.

On 17 November 2016, Julien's Auction House in Los Angeles sold the dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang 'Happy Birthday Mr. President' to President John F. Kennedy in May 1962, for $4.81 million to Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

Back in South Africa, a piece with an interesting history, Irma Stern’s painting, Arab Priest, attained the highest price ever for a South African painting. It sold for R52,303,600. The piece had been donated to a charity auction in the 1950s to help finance Nelson Mandela’s defence. And while we are talking about fine art, do you know what the most expensive item ever sold at an auction was? Pablo Picasso's 1955 painting, Les femmes d'Alger (Version O), which sold for $179,365,000 at Christie's auction house in New York in 2015.

Moving from fine art to wildlife, also in South Africa, exotic game go for record high prices. In 2012, and before he became the president, Cyril Ramaphosa was outbid for a buffalo cow, which sold for a whopping R20 million. In 2015, the South African game industry saw another record high when a four-year-old sable antelope bull was sold at auction for R27 million.

But what about less expensive items? Yes! Anyone can join in the fun. Items like property, vehicles, tools, furniture and antiques are all sold through SA Auction. Our online and onsite auctions offer the excitement of an auction with assets to suit every pocket.

 We are there to help you, the amateur and the professional alike, enjoy the experience of auctions. Our team of friendly professionals are available to assist you with registration, fees and legal documents. And our world class website offers a complete guide to auctions and bidding. Take time to read through our helpful guides and tips. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact us at our admin office.

Visit our Auction section to see what we is on auction now!