New York - A silk-screen painting by iconic American pop artist Andy Warhol sold for 43.8 million dollars Wednesday night in New York, Sotheby's auction house said.

The work, 200 One Dollar Bills, was one of the first silk-screen paintings by Warhol, 1928-87.

The painting was estimated by the auction house at 8 million to 12 million dollars, and bidding began at 6 million dollars. The first bidder immediately doubled the price and five would-be buyers vying for the work pushed the price higher and higher, The New York Times reported online.

The winning bidder followed the auction by telephone but was not identified by Sotheby's. (dpa)