A dangerous supercomputer and Einstein's love letters: the most bizarre auctions of 2024 (photos).

The auctions of 2024 have allowed many individuals to glimpse both the past and the future through a combination of rare artifacts and the latest innovations. The departing year is remembered for its unique lots, ranging from a complete Stegosaurus skeleton to love letters from Albert Einstein himself, as reported by Popular Science.

One of the most notable events was the sale of "Apex," a unique complete Stegosaurus skeleton, which fetched an astounding $45 million. This record bid ignited debates regarding the potential inflationary effects on the market, especially for educational institutions that may require such specimens.

Billionaire Ken Griffin, who acquired the remains of the ancient giant, justified his purchase by stating it would help preserve the dinosaur within the United States, while experts debated the justification for such a massive price tag.

Historical relics from maritime tragedies also made headlines in numerous publications. Coal from the "Titanic," intended for its boilers, sold at auction for $1,896—twice its initial estimate.

This artifact was accompanied by items such as a ship's rope and a World War II-era pistol. These auctions showcased the enduring allure of such items, tied to pivotal moments in history and imbued with a sense of tragedy, for many individuals.

Personal artifacts of historical figures also caught the attention of auction houses. For instance, a collection of 43 handwritten letters from Albert Einstein to his first wife, Mileva Marić, brought in $555,000, although it fell short of the initial estimate of $876,000.

These letters provided the fortunate owner with a glimpse into the personal life of a man whose revolutionary ideas transformed physics, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional aspect of his story hidden behind his scientific legacy.

The technological sphere was represented by Ai-Da, an artificial intelligence robot, which sold its first painting, "God of AI," for a record price in November.

The painting is dedicated to Alan Turing and is inspired by feminist ideals of transhumanism.

Another example of the intersection of history and technology is the Apple I computer that once belonged to Steve Jobs, which sold for $945,000.

This exhibit was produced in a limited run of only 200 units.

The appeal of rarity and uniqueness also extended to coins. A 1652 Massachusetts threepence fetched a remarkable $2.5 million, representing an outstanding example of early American minting.

Similarly, a 1975 dime missing the "S" mint mark sold for $506,250. It seems that sometimes items with flaws and errors can be worth hundreds of thousands of times more than their perfect counterparts, or as the saying goes: perfection lies in imperfection.

The list of coveted collectibles for some was also enriched by a gold coin from Carson City dated 1870.

This coin was linked to the California Gold Rush and sold for $1.44 million.

The unusual auctions also touched the automotive sector, where a battered trio of 1960s Lamborghini Miuras became a standout lot, fetching $2.9 million despite their worn condition.

The winning bidders plan to restore them, although looking at the historical value of the coins above, it is uncertain whether this will increase their worth or potentially decrease it.

Meanwhile, in the science sector, a decade-old supercomputer, Cheyenne, was sold at auction for $480,085.

The device was purchased despite significant operational issues, such as leaks from the cooling system.

These auctions not only reflect the extraordinary value of rare and historical items but also draw attention to their broader cultural, scientific, and technological significance and past. For instance, Ai-Da's painting embodied the increasingly growing intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence, providing insight into how machines influence human culture. Similarly, record sales of fossils and coins illustrate the evolving societal interest in tangible fragments of history.