What do you think is the most expensive artifact in Stardew Valley? Some of them can be cheap, while others are pretty lucrative. Here we ranked them from the cheapest to the priciest!
Finding artifacts is equivalent to getting treasures in Stardew Valley. Obtaining these rare relics is no joke, and if you ever saw one, you have two choices: sell or donate them. Both methods are beneficial since you’ll receive gold for selling it or get rewards from Gunther for the donation in Pelican Town.
Anyhow, we’re not here to talk about which way has more advantages. Here we’ll rank the most expensive artifact, their functions, and the best way to obtain these rare loots in Stardew Valley.
What are Artifacts in Stardew Valley?
These are items that you occasionally obtain by digging Artifact Spots. You can donate them to the Museum and reach milestones and rewards. Anyhow, there’s a total of 42 artifacts that you’ll need to collect to complete the Museum’s checklist.
Where to Find Artifacts in Stardew Valley?
Acquiring them comes with different methods, and as mentioned, Artifact Spots are one of the options. But if you’re having a difficult time getting them from these twig-like worms, here are other techniques that you can use:
- Digging dirt spots with a hoe in sites like the Mines and Calico Desert’s Skull Cavern.
- Slaying mobs.
- Deciphering Secret Notes.
- Opening Artifact Troves with Clint’s help.
- Fishing for Treasure Chests.
- Mining Bone Nodes.
The Most Expensive Artifact in Stardew Valley
Instead of spoiling the most expensive artifact, we’ll start with the cheapest to priciest relic you’ll find. You may refer to the list below to see each item’s value and spots where you can obtain them:
1. Dwarf Scroll I
These scrolls have the same value, which is 1g each. You may differentiate them based on the color of the ribbon that ties them. This item specifically has a red tie, and if you wish to obtain it, you may check out these locations:
- Tilling the ground at any level of the Mines/Skull Cavern (0.16%)
- Slaying Monsters like Bats, Bugs, Cave Flies, Duggies, Green Slimes, Rock Crabs, Stone Golems, and Grubs (0.5%)
2. Dwarf Scroll II
This second scroll sells for 1g, and you’ll see a green ribbon. While you may acquire it by:
- Tilling the soil on levels one to 40 of the Mines (0.1%).
- Slaying Ghosts, Frost Bats, Dust Sprite, and Blue Slime (0.5%).
3. Dwarf Scroll III
This roll of parchment has a blue rope around it and also markets for 1g. You may get it by slaying different mobs (0.5%), but you have a higher chance of getting it from Blue Slimes (1.5%).
4. Dwarf Scroll IV
Lastly, this paper is tied with a golden chain. Despite having a gold tie, you can only sell it for 1g. You can get it from tilling the ground on floors 80+ of the Mines (0.2%) or slaying any monster (0.1%), but with the exception of the following:
- Serpent
- Skeleton
- Wilderness Golem
- Carbon Ghost
- Iridium Bats
- Iridium Crab
- Haunted Skull
5. Ancient Seed
This small seed may seem dry and old. It must’ve been a long while since it died. Considering its appearance and size, it only sells for 5g. However, its viable counterpart yields lucrative crops. Here’s where you can obtain this artifact in Stardew Valley:
- Forest (0.7%)
- Mountain (0.7%)
- Fishing for Treasure Chests (0.8 to 0.9%)
- Slaying monsters like Bug, Cave Fly, Grub, Mutant Fly, and Mutant Grub (0.5%)
- Cracking Artifact Troves (3.7%)
6. Glass Shards
These glass pieces are described to have smoothened textures. It’s also suspected to be a part of an old mosaic or necklace. Anyhow, despite its history, you can only sell it for 20g. Below are the best locations to find them:
- Beach (7%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8 to 0.9%)
- Opening Artifact Troves (3.7%)
7. Rusty Cog
Are you intrigued with the machines used in the past? Well, here’s a well-preserved part of machinery from ancient times in Stardew Valley. It’s suspected to be a piece from a dwarven technology ages ago.
Additionally, you can sell it for 25g. While if you wish to obtain it, you can visit the following locations or acquire certain storage items:
- Mountain (4%)
- Tilling in Mines/Skull Cavern at any floor (0.16%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8% to 0.9%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
8. Rusty Spoon
Who knew that spoons can be artifacts? This rusted spoon can be marketed for 25g. It’s not the most interesting item, but it’s presumably ten years old already. And just like other relics, you can find this in the following areas in Stardew Valley:
- Town (4% + 6% to 11%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8 to 0.9%)
- Tilling the ground of the Mines/Skull Cavern (0.16%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
9. Rusty Spur
It’s a part of a cowboy’s shoe making it evident that the villagers from Stardew Valley’s fond of raising farm animals. Like the items from seven and eight, its value is only 25g. But if you’re determined to complete the Museum’s checklist for donations, you may check these places to get it:
- Farm (10%)
- Using a hoe to till the floor of the Mines and Skull Cavern at any level (0.16%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8 to 0.9%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
10. Arrowhead
It’s an item that used to be handy when hunting for animals. There are no other data about its relevance, but you can market it for 40g. While you may find it in these spots in-game:
- Mountain (1.6%)
- Forest (1.6%)
- Bus Stop (1.6%)
- Fracturing an Artifact Trove (3.7%)
11. Dried Starfish
It’s a relic that you can sell for 40g, and it’s known as a pristine specimen found in the primordial ocean in Stardew Valley. Unlike most items, you can’t find this everywhere on the map. Below are the locations and storage with high streaks of giving you this artifact:
- Beach (8%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8 to 0.9%)
- Cracking an Artifact Trove (3.7%)
12. Chipped Amphora
It’s a jar handy for transporting wet and dry goods back in old age. However, due to its broken state, it’s no longer functional. Nonetheless, you can still sell it for 40g, and you may find it in these areas/storage:
- Town (3%)
- Opening an Artifact Trove (3.7%)
13. Chewing Stick
Interestingly, this piece of wood wasn’t chewed by dogs. Ancient villagers used this to clean their teeth. You may sell it for 50g, and find it in the following sites and containers:
- Mountain (1.5%)
- Forest (1.5%)
- Town (0.8%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8 to 0.9%)
- Slain Duggies (2%)
- Opening an Artifact Trove (3.7%)
14. Chicken Statue
It’s a statue with a bronze base, making it evident that the villagers’ ancestors like chickens. Selling it gives you 50g, while you may get it by doing the following activities and visiting certain areas:
- Farm (9%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8-0.9%)
- Artifact Trove (A.T.) (3.7%)
15. Prehistoric Handaxe
It’s a crude tool made by striking a stone into another in order to make a sharp edge. Vending this relic gives you 50g, and you may obtain it in the following areas:
- Bus Stop (4%)
- Mountain (3%)
- Forest (3%)
- A.T. (3.7%)
16. Prehistoric Tool
It’s an item considered used for digging. You can’t use it like other relics, but you can sell it for 50g. We’ve listed the best places and containers where you can find them:
- Bus Stop (3%)
- Forest (2.1%)
- Mountain (2%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8% to 0.9%)
- A.T. (3.7%)
17. Trilobite
Its name may sound pretty odd, but surprisingly, it’s a crab’s distant relative. Despite looking like a square-shaped stone, it s a sellable item that sells for 50g. You can acquire it by looking through these areas or breaking these nodes in-game:
- Beach (1.7% + 2.3% to 5%)
- Forest (1.9%)
- Mountain (1.8%)
- Bone Nodes (0.8%)
18. Ancient Doll
It’s a toy that was covered in dirt and was suspected to either be a decoration or a tool used in rituals. Interestingly, it truly takes part in the mysteries and secrets of Stardew Valley.
Additionally, you can sell it for 60g. Below are the places where you can find it if you’re interested in this haunted-looking doll:
- Mountain (3%)
- Forest (2.4%)
- Bus Stop (2.4%)
- Town (0.8%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8% to 0.9%)
- Feast of the Winter Star
- A.T. (3.7%)
19. Nautilus Fossil.
It’s a fossil from the ancient coral reef, but aside from this fact, no data are found about its relevance in-game. Although, you can still sell it for 80g and obtain it in the following areas:
- Beach (1.8%)
- Fishing Chest (3.1% to 3.4%)
- Bone Nodes (0.8%)
20. Ancient Sword
It’s a weapon from ancient times. Most parts of it were rusty, but its handle was finely crafted. You can’t use it on battling mobs from the Mines and the Cavern, but you can sell it for 100g. It’s commonly found in the following sites and containers:
- Forest (0.7%)
- Mountain (0.6%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8% to 0.9%)
- A.T. (3.7%)
21. Anchor
It’s a relic suspected to be owned by pirates during the ancient era. There’s no exact use for it, but you can market it for 100g once you find it in these areas:
- Beach (4%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8% to 0.9%)
- A.T. (3.7%)
22. Bone Flute
It’s an old instrument with an eerie sound when played. You’ll notice too that it’s made out of animal bones. Unfortunately, you can’t play this instrument in-game, but selling it offers you 100g. Here are some places that you can visit and storage items you can open to obtain it:
- Forest (0.7%)
- Mountain (0.7%)
- Town (0.4%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8% to 0.9%)
- A.T. (3.7%)
23. Dwarvish Helm
It’s a helmet with a thick metal plating commonly used by dwarves. It protects them from falling objects in their homes. It’s not the most expensive artifact, but it also makes a decent selling price of 100g. You may occasionally find it in these areas:
- Tilling floors one to 40 of the Mines (0.1%)
- Opening a Geode (3%)
- Cracking an Omni Geode (1%)
- A.T. (3.7%)
24. Ancient Drum
It’s another instrument with a low reverberating sound. It was said to be made from an animal’s skin and wood. You can’t really use it to play some music, but you may ship it to get 100g. Here are the places where you can best obtain it:
- Bus Stop (0.7%)
- Forest (0.7%)
- Town (0.4%)
- Frozen Geode (3%)
- Omni Geode (1%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
25. Prehistoric Scapula
It’s simply a shoulder blade of an unknown animal. You can sell it for 100g, and find it through the following methods in-game:
- Forest (3% to 6%)
- Town (0.7%)
- Slaying a Skeleton (0.5%)
- Breaking Bone Nodes (0.8%)
26. Prehistoric Tibia
It’s a leg bone with a thick and sturdy quality. Its type of specie is also a mystery– perhaps, we’ll never know what it was. Nonetheless, you may check the list below if you’re interested in obtaining it:
- Railroad (4% to 8%)
- Forest (0.6%)
- Pepper Rex drop (30%)
- Bone Nodes (0.8%)
27. Prehistoric Skull
It’s a skull of an unknown specie of mammal. Shipping this item in the Shipping Bin gives you 100g, and if you’re into finding all artifacts in Stardew Valley, you may get by:
- Digging Artifact Spots in the Mountain (0.6% + 3% to 6%)
- Killing a Haunted Skull (1.3%)
- Breaking Bone Nodes (0.8%)
28. Skeletal Hand
It wasn’t said whether this artifact is a human’s hand, but if it is, how did it survive throughout the centuries? Like all fossil pieces, its value is 100g. While you may find or get it through the following locations and methods:
- Backwoods (4% to 8%)
- Beach (0.6%)
- Slaying Haunted Skulls (1.3%)
- Mining Bone Nodes (0.8%)
29. Prehistoric Rib
It’s another part of an anonymous animal’s remains. In this case, the rib may have been someone’s food judging by the imprints surrounding it. Anyhow, it has a selling price of 100g and you may obtain it through the following:
- Town (2.2% to 4%)
- Farm (0.8%)
- Dropped by a defeated Pepper Rex (30%)
- Bone Nodes (0.8%)
30. Prehistoric Vertebra
It’s a part of an ancient creature’s spine. There’s no clue what it was, but since we’re here to know its value, you may vend it for 100g. And you may check these places or do these activities to get it:
- Bus Stop (0.7% + 3% to 5%)
- Loot dropped by Pepper Rex when killed (30%)
- Bone Nodes (0.8%)
31. Skeletal Tail
It’s indeed another mysterious bone piece. It’s pretty short in appearance, so what could it be? Well, we have no clue either. But you can make some profit from it too since it’s worth 100g each. Below are the best spots and methods to find them:
- Digging any floor of the Mines and Skull Cavern.
- Fishing Chest (3.1% to 3.4%)
- Bone Nodes (0.8%)
32. Palm Fossil
This fossil is the last one with a value of 100g. We’re getting closer to the most expensive artifact in-game! Anyway, this artifact is a common item, there’s no intriguing story behind it. So, if you’re interested in getting it, you may check the best places to find it:
- Desert (7%)
- Forest (0.6% + 3% to 5%)
- Beach (0.6%)
- Bone Nodes (0.8%
33. Amphibian Fossil
This fossil’s value becomes higher than the previous one. It now has a rate of 150g per piece. Moreover, this creature’s remains seem to have quite short hind legs making it similar to a toad. If you wish to acquire it, you may check the list below:
- Forest (0.6%)
- Mountain (0.6%)
- Fishing Chest (3.1 to 3.4%)
- Bone Nodes (0.8%)
34. Elvish Jewelry
Despite being covered with grime, you can still see its elegance. On the rims of this jewelry, there’s a flowing script written in the primitive language of elves. Interestingly, despite having evidence of their existence, no elvish fossils were ever discovered.
Anyhow, this piece of accessory sells for 200g. You may try visiting or using these methods to obtain it:
- Forest (0.8%)
- Getting a Treasure Chest via fishing (0.8% to 0.9%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
35. Dwarf Gadget
It’s a device made by dwarves. When it’s working, you’ll notice that it hums and glows. However, its true function is still a mystery not until you receive the Farm Computer recipe from Demetrius. Below are the places and containers you can check to obtain it:
- Tilling floors 41 to 80 in the Mines (0.1%)
- Magma Geode (4%)
- Omni Geode (1%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
36. Golden Relic
It’s a slab made out of gold with hieroglyphs and images on its front. You can sell it for 250g or use it in tasks like the Fish Pond Quest. Anyhow, you’ll occasionally find it in:
- Desert (6%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
37. Ornamental Fan
It’s an item owned by a noblewoman from the early times. It was suspected that the valley was formerly well-known as a vacation place for rich people during the sixth era. The artifacts’ prices surely are increasing as you may sell this piece for 300g.
- Beach (1.6%)
- Forest (0.7%)
- Town (0.6%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8% to 0.9%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
38. Rare Disc
It’s a disc decorated with red stones. Holding it also induces fear which is quite peculiar. While you may also make good profits from it as it sells for 300g. You may find it in the following sites, mobs, or containers in Stardew Valley:
- Fishing Chest (0.8% to 0.9%)
- Bats drop in exemption to Iridium Bats (0.1%)
- Shadow Brute, Shadow Shaman, Spider drop (0.3%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
39. Dinosaur Egg
Who knew that you could still get a Dino Egg in the modern era of Stardew Valley? Interestingly, this egg’s outer part is still intact! Perhaps you can place it in a regular incubator or Ostrich Incubator to see if it still hatches. Anyhow, it sells for 350g, and it’s best found in the following areas:
- Mountain (0.6%)
- Fishing Chest (0.8% to 0.9%)
- Foraging in the prehistoric areas of Skull Cavern.
- Pepper Rex drop (10%)
40. Golden Mask
It’s a mask that gives off a creepy vibe, as it was formerly used in ancient magical rituals. You’ll also notice a socket on its forehead containing a purple gemstone. Alongside its promising quality, you can sell it for 500g!
If you want to get your hands on this second most expensive artifact, you may acquire it from these sites:
- Desert (3%)
- Artifact Trove (3.7%)
41. Strange Doll Green and Yellow
Here we have the most expensive artifact in Stardew Valley. The odd doll comes in two colors: green and yellow. It doesn’t have any particular use, but it does make a good gift for the Dwarf and Penny.
In terms of its market price, you can sell each for 1000g.
- Farm (0.08%)
- Bus Stop (0.07%)
- Town (0.07%)
- Forest (0.06%)
- Mountain (0.06%)
- Beach (0.06%)
- Tilling in Mines/Skull Cavern (any floor) (0.03%)
- Fishing Chest (≈0.14%)
- Secret Note #17 (Green Variant)
- Secret Note #18 (Yellow Variant)
