Sotheby’s, the historic and renowned auction house, made a groundbreaking announcement on Friday regarding the auction of a fascinating collection of NFTs. What makes this auction truly remarkable is the fact that these NFTs belonged to Three Arrows Capital (3AC), a cryptocurrency hedge fund that unfortunately filed for bankruptcy. Despite the collapse of their original owning entity, these digital art pieces fetched an impressive sum of around $2.5 million, reaffirming the enduring relevance and value of NFTs.
Out of the seven NFTs up for auction, one piece truly stole the spotlight: “Fidenza #725.” This digital artwork boasts a distinctive composition, featuring captivating graphic dashes and curves in a captivating palette of cream, yellow, pink, and black. Its allure proved irresistible, capturing the attention of bidders and ultimately selling for an astonishing amount exceeding $1 million. It’s worth noting that Three Arrows Capital had initially acquired this masterpiece for 135 Ether, equivalent to approximately $341,786 at the time. The fact that it sold for almost three times its original purchase price at the auction highlights the immense profitability potential within the NFT market.
The auction of 3AC’s NFTs formed part of the broader liquidation process for the hedge fund. Teneo, one of the court-appointed liquidators, disclosed this information in a memo released in February. Following the bankruptcy filing, 3AC’s assets were systematically liquidated. The firm, based in Singapore, faced a particularly harsh blow from the severe downturn of two cryptocurrencies, namely Luna and TerraUSD. Consequently, 3AC was compelled to file for bankruptcy in the British Virgin Islands towards the end of June 2022.
When Three Arrows Capital filed for bankruptcy, it estimated the total value of its assets to be around $1 billion, with a notable $22 million linked to its vast collection of NFTs.
The successful auction of 3AC’s NFTs serves as a testament to the resilience and inherent value embedded within these digital assets, even amidst challenging circumstances. Despite the bankruptcy of the hedge fund, the substantial prices realized at the auction shine a spotlight on the continued value that digital assets hold in today’s marketplace.
Furthermore, this event underscores the volatile nature characterizing both the cryptocurrency and digital art markets. The involvement of traditional institutions like Sotheby’s in the auctioning of NFTs signals a growing acceptance and integration of these digital assets into mainstream culture. As the world evolves, these digital marvels are cementing their position as valuable and sought-after treasures within the art world and beyond.
