We wonder if Valve really predicted that the skins market would evolve to the point where some items would cost more than good cars when they introduced first skins in CS:GO? Today, CS.MONEY Blog reveals the list of the most expensive skins in Counter-Strike ever. We provide prices as of the end of August 2023. However, the closer we get to the release of CS2, the more likely prices could skyrocket even higher.
All CS:GO skins will transfer to CS2. So, most likely, a whole bunch of skins will rise in price. We’ve prepared a special, CS2-dedicated landing page with all things skins: appearance comparison, price dynamics, and more. Visit now!
Another important disclaimer: in this article, we do not talk about skins with rare patterns (AK-47 Case Hardened 661, for example) or souvenir skins. Due to their individual history and extreme rarity, prices for such skins can reach astronomical levels. Instead, we focus on basic prices for ordinary skins. Surely, all of them are Factory New.
StatTrak M4A4 Howl
Starting our list of the most expensive skins in CS with the legendary Howl. We already discussed why Howl is so unique and expensive in a separate article. It’s worth noting that there are fewer than 7500 M4A4 Howls of any quality in CS. Moreover, only 177 of them are Factory New + StatTrak (according to csfloat). The market value of each of them is comparable to that of a city car. M4A4 Howl is the most expensive skin in CS:GO or CS2.
Price for StatTrak M4A4 Howl Factory New: approximately $19,000
AWP Dragon Lore
This iconic skin competes with Gungnir for the title of the most expensive AWP skin, but, well, let’s be honest, there could be only one no matter how hard traders try to deny it. Generally, it’s worth mentioning that there will be several AWPs in our top list: the sniper rifle’s popularity, regular use in the game, and a large surface area for cool designs contribute to this. And well, AWP Dragon Lore is the most expensive AWP skin at the moment.
Price for AWP Dragon Lore Factory New: approximately $18,000
AWP Gungnir
Another mythological skin. While Dragon Lore delights with warm colours and a dragon, AWP Gungnir, named after the spear of Odin, impresses with its beautiful patterns and cold visual design. Unsurprisingly, such contrasting yet equally cool skins compete for the title of the most expensive AWP.
Price for AWP Gungnir Factory New: approximately $18,000
AK-47 Wild Lotus
Moving on to the most expensive AK-47 skin. Its vibrant natural colours and magnificent floral pattern set this rifle apart from the rest. Moreover, AK-47 Wild Lotus is in short supply: according to csfloat, there are only less than 3000 items in Steam inventories.
Price for AK-47 Wild Lotus Factory New: approximately $17,000
AWP Medusa
While AWP Medusa significantly falls short in price compared to its counterparts, Dragon Lore and Gungnir, it’s still a gorgeous skin. There’s something symbolic about Medusa imaged on an AWP: look into its owner’s eyes once, and you’re dead.
Price for AWP Medusa Factory New: approximately $8,000
AK-47 Gold Arabesque
Having a golden AK-47 in the real world is considered highly honourable, so it was just a matter of time before CS:GO had it. However, players had to wait until September 2021 for AK-47 Gold Arabesque, adorned with traditional Arabic patterns, to skyrocket in the skin rankings.
Price for AK-47 Gold Arabesque Factory New: approximately $7,200
AWP The Prince
Another expensive and gorgeous-looking AWP skin. Yes, its colour scheme somewhat intersects with Dragon Lore, but this aristocratically luxurious sniper rifle deserves attention and respect on its own. It’s worth noting that AWP The Prince looks excellent in various qualities, balancing its price and making it more accessible.
Price for AWP The Prince Factory New: approximately $6,600
AUG Akihabara Accept
Anime sells, and the anime community is a powerful force! Otherwise, it’s hard to explain the cult status of AUG Akihabara Accept. AUG is an out-of-meta weapon that no one plays with. Yet, this black sheep comes at a very high price. People are willing to pay just for the image, especially since we have only slightly more than 4500 of them in the game.
Price for AUG Akihabara Accept Factory New: approximately $6,600
StatTrak AK-47 Fire Serpent
Finally, let’s talk about one of the oldest but respected skins in CS:GO. AK-47 Fire Serpent appeared in the game in the distant year of 2013. This Mayan mythological serpent whirls around the rifle not drastically changing its original design. It’s a minimalist but very cool upgrade to the default model.
Price for StatTrak AK-47 Fire Serpent Factory New: approximately $6,550
Bonus: Glock-18 Fade, the most expensive pistol skin
In conclusion, let’s talk about a skin that, while not as expensive, stands out because it’s a pistol. Until now, we’ve been talking about rifles, which makes sense since players use them a lot, and they have more surface area to show off.
Among pistols, Glock-18 Fade is the most expensive. It looks very cool, and in CS2, with new lighting and textures, it’s even more beautiful. The skin’s price depends on the pattern, so don’t forget to use our 3D Viewer to assess the skin’s appearance before making a deal. This tool works not only for expensive skins, so feel free to use this valuable instrument.
Price for StatTrak Glock-18 Fade Factory New: approximately $2,450
All prices are as of the end of August 2023. Once again, all the prices can dramatically change in the near future due to the large number of CS2 newcomers. So now might be a good time to acquire your perfect skin. And CS.MONEY will help you do it with the utmost ease!
