A Sotheby's auction is slated to sell an important musical instrument crafted by a noted violin maker later this week. It possibly could be auctioned to the tune of millions of dollars.

There is a certain paradox to the greatest violins. No matter how uniform the testimony of their players and audiences, a skeptic might question their supremacy. After all, these instruments have been played, for centuries now, by the most gifted violinists in the world — the ones who can coax, from any instrument, the most varied colors and tones.

The violin, made over 300 years ago by a legendary luthier, had been expected to sell for a higher price. The proceeds will go toward a scholarship program at the New England Conservatory.

A violin handcrafted in 1714 by Antonio Stradivari, the famous Italian luthier, has been sold for $11.25 million by Boston’s New England Conservatory (NEC) at a Sotheby’s auction. The music school will use the proceeds from the storied violin’s sale to create a new scholarship opportunity for students.

Going up for auction at Sotheby's in New York, it was estimated to fetch around $15 million, as the brand value is simply 'Strad-ospheric.'

Violinist Stefan Jackiw holds the 1714 Joachim-Ma Stradivarius at Sotheby's auction house in New York, 3 Feb 2025.