When it comes to classical instruments, few can compete with the violin. These instruments not only have been in use for hundreds of years, but there are those who are willing to pay millions of dollars for such an instrument: and not just as a collector’s item. The most expensive violins are not only rare, but also produce a sound that isn’t possible to replicate. No one knows exactly why the most expensive violins in the world sound as beautiful as they do. One thing is for certain, however: these violins are in high demand and worth a lot of money.

If you know anything about the value of certain instruments (and just valuable objects in general), you probably have heard the name “Stradivarius” before. It’s an instrument that dominates any list of most valuable violins in the world. The Messiah Stradivarius is at the top of the list. It currently is the most expensive violin, and should it ever be sold at auction again it likely will only increase in value.