Q: What is the highest price paid for a piece of contemporary art? A: $100 million for this charming cast platinum and diamond encrusted skull by damien hirst. As one of the "bad boys" of british art, he is known for controversial works and expensive price tags. This was recently bought at auction by an investment group who plan to showcase it around the world. The skull was cast from an 18th century european man and uses his actual teeth. it's also a tribute to similar bejeweled skulls made by the aztecs.