Billy the Kid $2.3 million a New Picture Sells for $3,890,500!

As I posted on my May 21, 2011 post, The world renowned Tintype image of Billy the Kid (William Bonney)was auctioned off at Brian Lebel's 22nd Annual Old West Show & Auction in Colorado. It was originally estimated to sale for between $300,000 to $400,000.
Well, it sold on Saturday 25, 2011 for $2.3 million! The good news is that it will be staying here in the United States. There were from my understanding a number of bidders form other countries that were interested also. One would think that this would be the worlds most expensive photograph, but it is far from being so. It is a bit difficult to believe, but there are three other photographic images that have sold for more.

Cindy Sherman, Untitled #96 (1981), $3,890,500, May 2011, Christie's New York

 

Andreas Gursky, 99 Cent II Diptychon (2001), $3,346,456, February 2007

 

Edward Steichen, The Pond-Moonlight (1904),$2,928,000, February 2006, Sotheby's New York auction.

 The Billy the Kid image may be the most expensive tintype ever sold though.

Here is a List of the 16 most expensive photographs.

Please note that none of these images are currently available for viewing at South Coast Antiques & Gallery.