SpyCast Auctioning Off the Key to Kryptos
Dec 9, 2025
Bobby Livingston, a veteran auctioneer, led the captivating sale of Jim Sanborn's Kryptos archive, including the key to the long-unsolved K4. He shares insights on the mystique surrounding Kryptos at the CIA and Sanborn's quest for clues. Bobby discusses the intense auction dynamics that culminated in a staggering $962,000 sale and the array of items the buyer received. With a passion for puzzles and cryptography, he highlights why code-breaking continues to fascinate people, from military secrets to historical artifacts.
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Photos Alone Won't Break K4
- Photos and transcriptions of the Kryptos panels circulated online, letting the public attempt decryption without viewing the sculpture.
- Sanborn's coding charts and encryption method remained the crucial barrier to solving K4 despite leaked images.
How The Kryptos Archive Was Assembled
- Bobby Livingston recounts meeting Jim Sanborn and negotiating what physical items and experiences to auction from the Kryptos archive.
- The sale included the K4 paper, coding charts, originals of K1–K3, a prototype, the CIA contract, Sanborn's badge, and an afternoon with Sanborn.
Define Transfers And Use NDAs Early
- When selling material tied to secrecy, clarify exactly what transfers: physical paper, copies of charts, and limited experiences.
- Use written terms and NDAs to protect an artist's intent and auction integrity before publicity spreads.