Jim Sanborn Auctions K4 Solution for His Iconic Kryptos Sculpture

Thu Nov 13 2025 12:25:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Jim Sanborn, artist of the famed 'Kryptos' sculpture at CIA headquarters, is auctioning the solution to its unsolved fourth code. This auction captures the intrigue surrounding the decades-long mystery.

Artist Jim Sanborn is auctioning the solution to the fourth encrypted message (K4) of his iconic sculpture, Kryptos, located at CIA headquarters. Despite the first three codes being cracked soon after installation, K4 remains a mystery, captivating cryptologists and enthusiasts for over 30 years. As Sanborn prepares to pass on the secrets embedded within Kryptos, he faces the challenge of balancing the desire for revelation against the intrigue of secrecy, as sustained interest in the artwork continues to grow.

BOSTON (AP) — When Jim Sanborn was commissioned to create a sculpture at CIA headquarters, he aimed to connect the world of spies and secret codes. The outcome was 'Kryptos,' a 10-foot-tall copper sculpture featuring encrypted messages that have stumped even the most skilled cryptographers.

Sanborn, intending to uplift the esoteric nature of coding, successfully drew attention with his artwork conceived in 1990. While the first three messages have been deciphered, the fourth, known as K4, remains an enigma, capturing the interest of enthusiasts for 35 years. The ongoing intrigue led one admirer to contact Sanborn weekly for over two decades, prompting the artist to charge a fee per inquiry to manage the flood of interest.

At the age of 79, following health concerns, Sanborn has decided to auction the solution to K4, seeking to find a new custodian for Kryptos who will preserve the statue’s mysteries. The auction, launched by Boston-based RR Auction on Nov. 20, features the entire archive associated with K4, including original coding charts for the first three messages and an entirely new, alternate K5 code.

Sanborn's engagement with the art has not only made Kryptos a global phenomenon but has also cemented his legacy as an important figure in public art. In past instances, the sculpture's cryptic messages have made an appearance in popular literature, further increasing its cultural significance.

However, the journey to this auction has not been without obstacles. Just as the auction was announced, a duo of researchers discovered Sanborn's original coded texts within Smithsonian archives, prompting concerns about the auction’s validity. Though distressed, Sanborn decided to press on, believing the true crux of the mystery lies in the unraveling methods he alone possesses.

As for the future of K4, many within the Kryptos community express a desire for the code to remain unbroken, preserving the allure that has captivated code breakers both professional and amateur. Thus, while Sanborn prepares to pass on the solutions, the balance between revealing secrets and ensuring ongoing fascination remains fragile.