The price of eggs might be rising in your local supermarket, but they don’t compare to the creations from the House of Fabergé jewelry firm. These intricate works of art, created mainly between 1885 and 1917, are worth almost as much as the most expensive paintings in the world.
The Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II commissioned most of the Fabergé eggs as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. Peter Carl Fabergé supervised their creation, adding many jewels and precious metals into their complicated designs with a hidden surprise.
Why are Fabergé eggs so expensive? They are rare collectibles unlike most other pieces of art, they hold a variety of valuable materials, but perhaps most of all, they have a rich history associated with immense wealth and famed royalty.
We’ve rounded up 15 of the most expensive Fabergé eggs, some of which have unknown current values but are sure to be extremely desirable items. Others are hosted as part of major collections throughout the world. Are you ready for the full eggs-ibition?
The most expensive Fabergé eggs in the world
| # | Name | Estimated Value |
| 15 | Duchess of Marlborough | Unknown |
| 14 | Renaissance | Unknown |
| 13 | Resurrection | Unknown |
| 12 | Mosaic | Unknown |
| 11 | Rosebud | $4 million |
| 10 | Hen | $6 million |
| 9 | Cradle with Garlands | $6.65 million |
| 8 | Order of St George | $7 million |
| 7 | Lilies of the Valley | $13 million |
| 6 | Fifteenth Anniversary | $15 million |
| 5 | Bay Tree | $15 million |
| 4 | Winter | $15.6 million |
| 3 | Imperial Coronation | $18 million |
| 2 | Rothschild Clock | $25.1 million |
| 1 | Third Imperial Easter | $33 million |
Duchess of Marlborough Egg: Price unknown
While most of the Fabergé eggs for sale were commissioned by a Russian Tsar, this clock-egg was created for Consuelo Vanderbilt, who later married Charles Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough.
It is believed that her 1902 visit to the home of Tsar Nicholas II inspired her to commission her this exquisite piece, which takes inspiration from a Louis XVI clock with a revolving dial.
While the current value for this one egg is unknown, it was believed to have initially cost over 5,000 rubles and was part of the $100 million sale to Viktor Vekselberg when he purchased nine Fabergé eggs.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor) & Michael Perkhin (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | Unknown |
Renaissance Egg: Price unknown
This Fabregé egg was the last one gifted from Tsar Alexander III to his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna in 1894.
The interior surprise is no longer present. One theory is that a string of pearls rested inside. Another is that the Resurrection Egg was nestled inside, backed by the fact it fits perfectly inside.
The value is unknown, but it was also sold as part of the deal to Viktor Vekselberg when he purchased nine of the Fabergé eggs for $100 million.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor) & Mikhail Perkhin (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | Unknown |
Resurrection Egg: Price unknown
A bit of mystery surrounds this unique jeweled egg. First, it is the only Fabergé egg to reference the Easter story even though the vast majority of the eggs were gifted as Easter gifts.
But second, and more importantly, experts are not certain whether this is the surprise once hidden inside of the Renaissance Egg or if it is a separate creation. It does not hold a surprise inside, and it fits perfectly in the Renaissance Egg, giving credit to the theory that it was once a surprise.
This was also part of the $100 million, nine-egg deal to Viktor Vekselberg.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor) & Michael Perkhin (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | Unknown |
Mosaic Egg: Price unknown
With an original 1914 purchase price of 28,300 rubles, this was the most expensive egg produced by Fabergé. It is a gold egg divided into five flower-patterned oval panes by diamond and gold belts.
It is one of the most intricate Fabergé eggs and was last sold to King George V and Queen Mary for £250. It is part of the Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and was last on display in 2011.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor), Alma Theresia Pikl (designer) & Albert Holstrom (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Private Royal Collection |
| Faberge Egg Price: | Unknown |
Rosebud Egg: $4 million
Back in 1895, Tsar Nicholas II wanted to provide his wife, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, a special token of love. And so he commissioned his first Fabergé egg to gift her.
A yellow enamel tea rose is tucked inside of the stunning red egg covered in four strips of brilliant diamonds. The small gold crown and ruby pendant hidden inside of the tea rose are now gone, but the egg lives on.
It is estimated to be worth $4 million.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor) & Mikhail Perkhin (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $4 million |
Hen Egg: $6 million
This is one of the most expensive Fabergé eggs, and it holds a unique position as the first jeweled egg commissioned by Emperor Alexander III in 1885. It pleased him so much that it became an annual ritual and at each Easter, a new one was commissioned for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna.
The Hen Egg is a rather minimalistic white and gold design with a small golden hen placed inside. An Imperial crown was once inside of the hen but is now missing. It is estimated to be worth $6 million.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor) & Erik Kollin (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in St Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $6 million |
Cradle with Garlands Egg: $6.65 million
Celebrating newborns is a nearly ubiquitous part of every culture. And for Tsar Nicholas II, the birth of his son Alexei was a monumental occasion that he wanted to commemorate accordingly.
He commissioned this pearl-encrusted, pale blue-colored egg for his wife Alexandra upon Alexei’s birth. Although the miniature of the Imperial children once hidden inside is now missing, this Love Trophies egg is still one of the most expensive Fabergé eggs in existence.
In 1992, it sold for $3.19 million, equal to $6.65 in today’s inflation-adjusted dollars.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor) & Henrik Wigström (designer) |
| Where it can be seen: | V&A Museum in London |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $6.65 million |
Order of St George Egg: $7 million
The Order of St George is the highest military decoration of the Russian Federation, and this Fabergé egg was commissioned in 1916 by Nicholas II to commemorate this achievement earned by himself and his son, Grand Duke Alexei Nikolaievich.
Coming from a period of austerity in World War I, this Fabergé egg is considered to be modest in design, covered with a green-colored pattern and presenting the Order of St George medal as the focal point.
It is estimated to be worth $7 million, making most of the most valuable stamps pale in comparison.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $7 million |
Lilies of the Valley Egg: $13 million
As only one of two antique Fabergé eggs using Art Nouveau style, this egg was created in 1898 for Tsar Nicholas II as a gift to his wife, Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna.
The intricate design features many pearls placed carefully over a pink enamel on a guilloché field. Four legs support the structure, and a twist of the pearl button reveals portraits of Tsar Nicholas II and his two oldest daughters hidden within.
It is estimated to be worth up to $13 million, more than almost all of the most valuable coins.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor) & Mikhail Perkhin (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $13 million |
Fifteenth Anniversary Egg: $15 million
While some cultures host large Quinceañera celebrations for 15th birthdays, this special Fabergé egg commemorates the fifteenth anniversary of Tsar Nicholas II’s coronation.
The exterior includes gold, white, and green touches surrounding 16 miniatures, all trimmed with elegant diamonds and crystals. Contrasting almost every other Fabergé egg for sale, the interior does not hold a hidden treasure and is believed to never have one.
It is estimated to be worth up to $15 million.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $15 million |
Bay Tree Egg: $15 million
Presented along with the Fifteenth Anniversary egg, this stunning piece of art was gifted from Tsar Nicholas II to his mother, the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna. Adorned with a nephrite shell covered in diamonds, rubies, amethysts, and pearls, the interior opens by turning a tiny level disguised as fruit, revealing a songbird inside.
Although thought to be an orange tree for some time, the original 1911 invoice of this Fabergé egg for sale shows it is a bay tree. It is estimated to be worth $15 million.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $15 million |
Winter Egg: $15.6 million
The Winter Egg has held the title of the most expensive egg multiple times. It was the most expensive Fabergé egg commissioned in 1913 at 24,700 rubles and sold for a record-breaking $5.6 million in 1994.
Studded with 1,660 diamonds and sporting a frosted glass design, it last sold for $9.6 million in 2002, equal to $15.6 million in today’s dollars.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor) & Alma Pihl (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Private collection |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $15.6 million |
Imperial Coronation Egg: $18 million
As one of the top 10 most expensive Fabergé eggs, this example exemplifies the intricate touch applied back in its 1897 creation. The exterior is crafted to match the cloth of gold robe worn by Tsarina, Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna at her coronation.
And inside, a replica of the 18th-century Imperial coach used during the service is presented, including moving wheels, opening doors, and functional shock absorbers. It is estimated to be worth up to $18 million.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor), Mikhail Perkhin (workmaster), and Henrik Wigström (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $18 million |
Rothschild Clock Egg: $25.1 million
As one of the rare examples not commissioned by the Russian Imperial family, this Fabergé egg was an engagement gift from Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild to Germaine Halphen.
Encrusted with gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls, the real surprise of this egg comes at the top of each hour, when a cockerel appears atop the egg, flaps its wings four times, nods his head three times, and a bell strikes the start of a new hour.
How much is a Fabergé egg worth? This one sold for £8.9 million in 2007, equal to about US $25.1 million in inflation-adjusted dollars for this year.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé |
| Where it can be seen: | Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $25.1 million |
Third Imperial Easter Egg: $33 million
We’ve come to the most expensive egg on this list. The Third Imperial Easter egg is a solid 18K gold case decorated with diamonds and sapphires, held up by three sets of corbel-like legs ending in lion’s paws.
The surprise inside is a 14K gold Vacheron Constantin lady’s watch, featuring diamond-set hands. While it might not be worth as much as the most expensive houses in the world, it is certainly the most expensive Fabergé egg.
But the most interesting fact about this comes from recent history, when a scrap dealer discovered it in 2011, after letting it sit in his kitchen for years before discovering its true origin. It sold for an undisclosed amount in 2014 and is now estimated to be worth $33 million.
| Creators: | Peter Carl Fabergé (supervisor) & August Holmström (workmaster) |
| Where it can be seen: | Private collection |
| Faberge Egg Price: | $33 million |
Most expensive Fabergé eggs: conclusion
There is no egg-aggerating the value of these delicate works of art. How much is the cheapest Fabergé egg on this list? That’s difficult to say with certainty since they don’t exchange hands very often, but it’s almost certain to be hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars.
If you’re still wondering how many Fabergé eggs are there, great news: While 57 are known to exist today, experts believe at least 7 are missing. So next time you go to another estate sale, keep your eye out for treasure hidden in plain sight.
It’s unlikely you’re going to stumble across an antique Fabergé egg for sale anywhere other than a major auction house, but if you want to see some of the largest collections, then head to Saint Petersburg, Russia for a visit.
Unless anyone comes up with one of the missing seven eggs, the 15 most expensive Fabergé eggs in the world are:
- Third Imperial Easter Egg: $33 million
- Rothschild Clock Egg: $25.1 million
- Imperial Coronation Egg: $18 million
- Winter Egg: $15.6 million
- Bay Tree Egg: $15 million
- Fifteenth Anniversary Egg: $15 million
- Lilies of the Valley Egg: $13 million
- Order of St George Egg: $7 million
- Cradle with Garlands Egg: $6.65 million
- Hen Egg: $6 million
- Rosebud Egg: $4 million
- Mosaic Egg: Price unknown
- Resurrection Egg: Price unknown
- Renaissance Egg: Price unknown
- Duchess of Marlborough Egg: Price unknown
Frequently asked questions about the most expensive fabergé eggs
An unknown private collector owns the most expensive Fabergé egg, the Third Imperial Easter Egg, valued at $33 million. The Hermitage Museum in Russia holds the second most expensive Fabergé egg, the Rothschild Clock Egg valued at $25.1 million. And Viktor Vekselberg is the known owner of nine other valuable Fabergé eggs on display at the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg.
The Third Imperial Easter Egg is the most expensive egg ever, valued at $33 million. It last sold in 2014 for an undisclosed amount but is believed to be the most expensive Fabergé egg in the world.
The 7 missing Fabergé eggs are the 1898 Hen Egg, 1899 12 Panel Egg, 1900 Pine Cone Egg, 1901 Apple Blossom Egg, 1902 Rocaille Egg, 1903 Bonbonnière Egg, and 1904 Chanticleer Egg. The Third Imperial Easter Egg was missing until 2011 when a scrap dealer discovered he had an original Fabergé egg.
The Fabergé Winter Egg is worth an estimated $15.6 million in inflation-adjusted dollars for this year. It last sold in 2002 for $9.6 million and remains one of the top 10 most expensive Fabergé eggs around.
