Egyptian sandstone lintel acquired by Emory's Michael C. Carlos Museum. Image: Sotheby's

An early Roman marble torso of an Emperor sold for $7.4 million on Friday at Sotheby’s in New York, surpassing a $1.2 million high estimate. The torso dates to the first half of the first century A.D. and sold to an unnamed phone bidder. There were seven bidders vying for the piece. Contenders included New York dealer Hicham Aboutaam of Phoenix Ancient Art bidding in the salesroom, the Metropolitan Museum of Art-according to a source–as well as a major European collector.The torso was consigned by an Austrian family, according to Sotheby’s.

Sotheby’s sale totaled $17.5 million, far above the $4.8 million projected high estimate.

Other lots crushed pre-sale expectations. A 2nd century Roman imperial marble bust of Athena Giustiniani was estimated to sell for up to $900,000 and sold for $4.1 million.

The Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University snagged an Egyptian sandstone lintel and door jamb relief fragment, dating back to 690 B.C. Estimated to sell for up to $15,000, the museum was compelled to pay $80,500 for the piece.

Marble torso of an emperor, sold at Sotheby's for $7.4 million

Marble bust of Athena, sold by Sotheby's for $4.1 million