1714 Stradivarius violin could become most expensive instrument ever auctioned

Violinist Stefan Jackiw plays the 1714 Joachim-Ma Stradivarius at Sotheby's auction house in New York on Feb. 3, 2025, where it is expected to sell for $12 million to $18 million this week.

A violin made by the famed Antonio Stradivari in 1714 has the potential to become the most expensive musical instrument ever sold when it goes up for auction Friday at Sotheby's in New York.