A stone tablet carrying engravings of the Ten Commandments sold for US$5 million at auction on Wednesday, Sotheby’s announced.
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The high figure was notched despite questions around the tablet’s authenticity: no one has claimed it is the original, of Biblical fame, but some experts expressed doubts around its purported provenance, dating between the years AD300 and 800.
Another ding against the 52kg (115 pound) slab, said to be discovered in 1913 in what is now Israel, is that it contains only nine of the 10 commandments considered holy by both Jews and Christians.
Excitement around it prevailed, however, as bids eventually raced up to US$4.2 million, with the final sale coming in at US$5 million including fees.
Those shocked at the price can swear freely: the tablet does not contain the commandment against taking the Lord’s name in vain.
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The New York auction house had expected it to sell for US$1-2 million.
