June 13, 2023
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has captivated gamers worldwide with its intense gameplay and competitive scene. However, it stands apart from other games by its unique cosmetic feature, skins. In 2023, skins are synonymous with CSGO.
Like most FPS games, CSGO skins don’t belong to one person due to money-exchanging hands on Steam, always on the lookout for the next exquisite item. We have listed below the biggest skin trades in CSGO history.
The biggest CSGO skin trades cost as much as a house
Over the years, a few CSGO skin trades have made headlines for their outstanding values, some even costing as much as a house. But there are players who’d rather invest in a gun skin than real estate.
Let’s look at some of these trades and the factors that added to their out-of-this-world prices.
AWP Dragon Lore & Ak-47 Case Hardened
In June 2021, a video posted to Twitter made headlines in the CSGO Community when a collector from China purchased two skins for a total sum of $780,000.
Initially, the deal got little since the news got out through a TikTok video subtitled in Chinese. Still, most of the community eventually learned about it on Twitter through a trader named Kirito.
In their tweet, Kirito also provided intricate details about how the deal went down. According to the information, the two parties had met face-to-face to make it happen, and the skins were sold as a package meaning it was one single deal.
From the video shared by the trader, the details of the skins that were traded are as follows:
- The first skin shown in the clip is a ‘Souvenir AWP Dragon Lore (Factory New).
- This skin was first introduced in the game in 2014 and is part of the Cobblestone Collection, released alongside Operation Breakout.
- The second skin found in the clip is a ‘StatTrak Case Hardened Ak-47 MW’ with seed code 661.
- The specific variant of the 2014 Katowice Titan Holo sticker put on the weapon skins currently holds a value of over $50,000 per piece. The skins collectively have 8 of them, which amounts to $400,000.
The deal was made all in cash. It’s worth noting that AWP Dragon Lore is among the rarest and most desirable skins any AWP specialist can obtain. But that’s not why it’s so ridiculously pricey. Currently, obtaining the skin through in-game drops is impossible, making it the holy grail of AWPs.
The second skin on AK-47 has the bluest pattern out of all Case-Hardened Skins, justifying the price tag. Furthermore, the values of these skins are further elevated as they boast four ‘2014 Katowice Titan Holo’ stickers each. These stickers on the skins are among the most expensive on the market.
Karambit & AK-47 Case Hardened
The second most expensive skin deal to make to this list was brokered by another trader named zipeL. The Danish trader took to Twitter last month after the success of the deal he made on behalf of his colleague Luksusbums.
The deal consisted of two skins sold as a single deal, similar to the #1 on this list.
- The first skin in the deal is a ‘Karambit Case Hardened.’ which was in well-worn wear.
- The skin itself is worth $100,000.
- The second skin in the trade is another ‘StatTrak Case Hardened Ak-47 MW’ with seed code 661
- The skin holds 4x ‘2014 Katowice Titan Holo’ stickers that shine on the weapon’s exterior, further boosting its value.
This specific Karambit Case Hardened pattern has been labeled the Blue Gem. Since this particular skin was well-worn, it is worth less than other blue gems. Had it been in Factory New condition, it would’ve been priced at around $1 Million. The second skin in the trade is another ‘StatTrak Case Hardened Ak-47 MW’ with seed code 661.
AK-47 Wild Lotus
Now, this one trade may not be the most expensive one, but it’s undoubtedly up there with the big guys. In March 2023, a Chinese collector purchased a rare Wild Lotus’, AK-47 skin, which was added to the game in 2019. Here are some facts about the trade:
- There are less than 3,000 of this skin and even fewer in ‘Factory New’ condition.
- It has four Reason Holo stickers from the Katowice 2014 CSGO Major applied, each costing around $40,000 today.
- This AK-47 model was used by FaZe Clan player Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken in 2022, borrowing it from the previous owner.
- The item was sold on Buff with a sale price of €148,937.73 (USD 159,653.80).
A Factory New Wild Lotus shouldn’t cost a whopping $150,000. But, The 4X Reason Holo stickers increase the price of this skin dramatically. In 2023, only two other AK-47 Wild Lotus skins with these stickers applied, making it a rare cop!
A deal that almost happened
Another variant of the Karambit blue gem in Factory New condition, with seed code 387, has been labeled the most expensive skin in CSGO history. Its current owner acquired it for around $100,000 in 2016.
The owner of this specific skin had turned down an offer of €1.2 million in mid-2021, which means that if someone wanted to acquire the skin, they would have to pay way more than €1.2 million.
However, its current worth in 2023 has increased substantially and is estimated to be around $2 million+. This blue gem is expensive because the chance of unboxing this exact knife is 1 in over 300 million. However, it is the only one in existence in Factory New Condition that has the best pattern.
This final addition to the list brings our list of the most expensive skins to an end. These skins will only increase in value, making them valuable virtual investments.