Messiah Stradivarius

The Messiah Stradivarius is the most expensive violin ever made, with an estimated value of more than $20 million. It was built in 1716 by Antonio Stradivari, a world-renowned builder of the finest violins. During his greatest period, Stradivari made the Messiah and remained in his business until his death in 1737. Violinists don't use it as much as they used to, which explains its newness. These are some of the factors that contribute to the instrument's high cost.

• It was created during the "golden age" of Stradivari's career.
• In its 300-year history, it has never been played.

Several violinists, notably Jean-Delphin Alard (who gave the instrument its name), Nathan Milstein, and Joseph Joachim, have come close to playing the violin, but none have succeeded. It is currently on display at Oxford, England's Ashmolean Museum.

Price: $20,000,000