> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://messier.gitbook.io/catalogue-de-messier/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://messier.gitbook.io/catalogue-de-messier/messier-objects-nfts/auctions.md).

# Auctions

How does the auction work?

### The original auction (completed January 2024)

* All Messier Objects NFTs were auctioned at the same time, each with its own timer counting down from **110 hours**. Any bid in the last **87 minutes** of an auction reset that timer to 87 minutes, so no one could snipe an auction.
* Every Messier Object started at a bid of **178.1 million M87**. The maximum bid on an Object was capped at **20 billion M87** (2% of the total supply).
* The winning M87 bids were converted into permanently staked MTT and MOTT, and the original M87 was **burned**.

### Resale auctions (live)

Current holders can put their Objects up for auction on the [NFT bidding platform](https://virgo.messier.app/nfts) inside the Virgo app.

* **Bids are in ETH.** Objects can only be sold for ETH.
* On the platform you can track **live auctions**, view **recent sales** and see the **staking tokens attached** to each Object before you bid.
* Every resale carries a **4% resale fee**. All fees go directly to the VirgoDAO treasury.
* The staking tokens and the permanent Dark Listed status move with the NFT to its new owner.