Woman's $6,338 'mistake' at auction leaves her with Dali artwork: 'Let me get in on this action'

An American woman who placed a deliberately low bid on a rare artwork has found herself the new owner of the piece, leaving art lovers and her social media followers highly amused.

Danielle Allen (@finding_finding_founder_) explains on TikTok that she'd been driving along one day when she saw signs for an art auction.

She found herself following the signs and was greeted by an eclectic collection by some of the greatest artists of our time, including Picasso and Salvador Dali.

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At first Allen was happy to watch the proceedings as pieces of art were auctioned off for anything from $US9,000 to $US75,000 ($14,262 to $22,186).

Soon, it was time for a Salvador Dali engraving – a depiction of The Oak and the Reed by Jean la Fontaine, one of Aesop's Fables – called "Treenis" to be auctioned off.

"I'm like, 'Let me get in on this action,'" Allen said in the video, explaining she just wanted to "raise my hand."

So she did, bidding $US4,000 ($6,338).

Watch the video above.

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From watching the previous auctions, Allen was pretty sure higher bids would quickly come in following hers.

Much to her horror, after the "longest 10 seconds" of her life, none did, leaving her holding the prize.

Allen later found out the minimum value of the piece was $US15,000 ($23,771) so she has nabbed herself a bargain.

Having placed the expense on her credit card, she is now hoping to sell it to not only recoup her money, but make a profit.

Allen's video recalling the experience has been viewed 3.3 million times.

"But how amazing did it feel for that split second after you raised your hand! Until your world came crashing down on you?" one of her TikTok followers commented.

"I did the same thing too but I bought a diamond," another said.

"I have gotten myself into trouble with auctions. They are so fun though," another confessed.

Many suggested Allen hold onto the piece because the value will only "increase over time" and may prove to be a wise investment.

"I'm happy you own this piece. My parents were Dali collectors of this sort of art you purchased," another said.

"Life happened and they became their prized possessions."