> Source: https://www.openingbid.art/artist/william-dole · updated 2026-11-02

# William Dole (1917–1983)

## What is William Dole’s work worth? {#value}

As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 29 auction results for William Dole at 10 houses since 2000. Over the last 24 months the median price was $1,254 including buyer’s premium (middle half $1,024–$2,048, n=5). The auction record is $4,550 for Proxy (2022, Los Angeles Modern Auctions). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

**Top auction records: paintings, drawings & sculpture**

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proxy, 1975 | Mixed media | $4,550 | Los Angeles Modern Auctions | Jul 2022 |
| 2 | Crypto, 1967 | Collage on paper under glass | $4,500 | John Moran Auctioneers | May 2019 |
| 3 | William Dole Archive. Collage, 1974 435 x 590mm; 17.125 x 23. 25inches. Signed and dated in ink, lower center recto. Ex- collectionStaempfli Gallery, New York, with the label on the frame back. In good condition. E2000-3000 See Color Plate V, 1974 | Collage | $4,140 | Swann Auction Galleries | May 2001 |
| 4 | Discant, 1974 | Ink | $3,900 | Los Angeles Modern Auctions | Jul 2022 |
| 5 | Op. Cit. And Ibid, 1965 | Mixed media | $2,813 | Los Angeles Modern Auctions | Oct 2013 |
| 6 | Long Gone, 1962 | Collage | $2,805 | Bonhams | Sep 2025 |
| 7 | In the Mirror, 1962 | Paper collage | $2,750 | Clars Auction Gallery | Jun 2023 |
| 8 | Freedom, 1979 | Collage and mixed media on paper | $2,500 | John Moran Auctioneers | Feb 2023 |
| 9 | Panegyric, 1975 | Watercolor | $2,500 | Bonhams | Apr 2013 |
| 10 | Easterly, 1973 | Mixed media | $2,375 | Bonhams | Apr 2013 |


**Median price by medium (last 24 months, n ≥ 5)**

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 7 | $2,375 |
| Works on paper | 20 | $1,794 |

**Median price by size (last 24 months, n ≥ 5)**

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 10 | $2,188 |
| Small (under 50 cm) | 17 | $1,750 |

Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 29 results from 10 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


William Dole is an American artist with 33 auction lots recorded since 2000, median price $1,838. Some sold prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium; they are marked on this page.

A work by William Dole sold in 2026 for $2,048, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a William Dole work worth?

Across 29 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a William Dole work is $1,838.

The median William Dole work on paper sells for $1,700 across 19 lots.

The median William Dole painting sells for $1,838 across 3 lots.

Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

## Price breakdown by category

| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prints & Editions | 1 | — | — | 0% | — |
| Paintings | 3 | $1,838 | $2,500 | — | 2013-10-21 |
| Works on Paper | 22 | $1,700† | $4,500 | 86.4% | 2026-03-04 |

† hammer price — buyer's premium not included.

## Price by size

### Works on Paper

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| small (under 50 cm) | 12 | $1,287–$2,860† | $2,100† | $4,500 |
| medium (50–120 cm) | 7 | $1,137–$2,402 | $1,254 | $4,140 |

† hammer price — buyer's premium not included.

Size is the work's longest edge. Cells appear only with at least 5 sold lots.

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Works on Paper | 2019 | $4,500 |
| Works on Paper | 2001 | $4,140 |
| Paintings | 2013 | $2,500 |
| Paintings | 2011 | $1,838 |

The highest recorded result in each medium. The full sale history is in the OpeningBid app (free sign-up).

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a William Dole worth?

Across 29 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a William Dole work is $1,838. The median William Dole work on paper sells for $1,700 across 19 lots. The median William Dole painting sells for $1,838 across 3 lots. Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is the average price of a William Dole work on paper?

Based on 19 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a William Dole work on paper is $1,700. Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is William Dole's most expensive work on paper?

The highest price recorded at auction for a William Dole work on paper is $4,500.

### What is the average price of a small William Dole work on paper?

Based on 12 sold lots, the median auction price of a small William Dole work on paper (small (under 50 cm)) is $2,100, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results. Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is William Dole's auction record?

William Dole's auction record is $4,550, set in 2022.

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Data last updated 2026-11-02. OpeningBid tracks 15,390,829 auction lots from 577 auction houses, refreshed nightly.

Cite this page as: OpeningBid, “William Dole auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/william-dole (updated 2026-11-02).

Historical auction data, not investment advice. Prices are premium-inclusive USD where the buyer's premium is recorded. Figures marked † are hammer prices (buyer's premium not included); ‡ marks a price whose basis is not yet verified. Non-USD results are converted at the sale month's rate.