New York Auction: Tablet of Ten Commandments Sold for $5 Million
One of the Ten Commandments tablets, a limestone stele nearly 3,300 years old, was auctioned in New York for approximately $5 million. The auction at Sotheby’s drew intense interest from art dealers and biblical scholars alike. The tablet dates back to the 7th century BCE and is one of a dozen known surviving fragments of the Ten Commandments inscribed by the prophet Moses on Mount Sinai, according to traditional accounts.
Experts believe this particular fragment contains the biblical text that refers to building a sanctuary, making it an invaluable historical and religious artifact. Regardless of one’s faith or religious beliefs, the tablet’s historical significance is undeniable, offering valuable insights into the ancient world’s scripting practices and religious history.
Before the auction, it was estimated that the tablet could fetch between $2 million and $3 million, making its final price of $5 million an astonishing outcome. The successful bidder was not disclosed, but it is likely that the tablet will remain available for public viewing, perhaps in a museum or academic institution, ensuring its ongoing historical and educational significance.
Title: Tablet of the Ten Commandments Sold for $5 Million at Auction
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An ancient text known as the "Steintafel mit den Zehn Geboten" or "Tablet of the Ten Commandments" has fetched an impressive $5 million at a recent auction, reports DER STANDARD, an Austrian newspaper. The sale highlights the enduring fascination with religious artifacts and the high value placed on historical and cultural treasures.
The Tablet of the Ten Commandments, also referred to as the Samaritan Pentateuch, is believed to date back to the 13th century. It’s written in Hebrew on vellum using black and red ink, with decorations in gold. The artifact is considered significant not only for its age and content but also because it provides insights into the Samaritan community, a small religious sect that broke away from mainstream Judaism around 1000 BCE.
The tablet was part of a collection belonging to the Jewish family of Aaron and Israel Wertheim, who fled the Nazis during World War II. It was purchased by television personality and documentary filmmaker, Simon Schama, at the auction held by Sotheby’s New York.
Speaking to DER STANDARD, Schama expressed his delight at acquiring the artifact, saying, "It’s an astonishingly beautiful and historically significant object. I’m thrilled to have it, and I can’t wait to share its story with a wider audience."
The sale also attracted attention for its high price, which was initially estimated to be around $2-3 million. However, intense bidding saw the final hammer price reach $5 million, including the buyer’s premium. This makes the Steintafel mit den Zehn Geboten one of the most expensive religious artifacts ever sold at auction.
The sale has sparked discussions about the ethics of selling religious artifacts, especially those with significant historical and cultural importance. Some argue that such items should be accessible to the public and preserved in museums, while others believe that private collectors play a crucial role in their preservation and study.
As for the Steintafel mit den Zehn Geboten, its new owner, Simon Schama, has confirmed that it will be put on public display, ensuring that this precious piece of history can continue to inspire and educate.
