Biography & Early Wealth Journey

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Together, both The Instruction and Going West are estimated to have a combined value of $12 million to $14 million, while Benton's own auction record goes to the 2015 sale of his Ozark Autumn piece, which went for $4.9 million. According to a 1978 Jet article, Cosby paid $105,000 for The Instruction some 40 years ago.

The Cosbys' art collection began way back in the 1960s, and has grown to include more than 300 works, including some by Renoir, Rembrandt, Picasso, Matisse, and many others. Some of these paintings have been on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art, which resulted in some controversy for the museum as accusations against Cosby continued to grow.

Primary Income Streams & Multi-Million Contracts

It's not inconceivable that, depending on the art market, the Cosby art collection could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

If he needs more money, Bill also owns a vast real estate portfolio that's easily worth over $100 million. He has large properties in Pennsylvania and Beverly Hills. His estate in Beverly Hills alone could be worth as much as $60 million ,based on comparable recent sales. Potentially closer to $80 million.