Twenty-three contracts were signed last week at $4 million and above, the 5th week in a row of 20+ sales. But perhaps the most stunning news is this: For the 2nd week in a row, the No.1 contract signed was asking $58 million. The other $58 million sale was the penthouse at 212 Fifth Avenue. Both are the most expensive deals of the year.

This time the No. 1 contract was PH61 at 111 West 57th Street, a duplex with 7,175 square feet encompassing 3 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, and has knockout views of Central Park and the entire city. Downstairs is a 52-foot living room with park views, a 21-foot eat-in kitchen, and 2 bedrooms. Upstairs is a master suite facing south over the city. The 46-unit condo is under construction, and rises 82 stories, or 1,428 feet high, on the former site of the Steinway & Sons piano store. Amenities include a concierge, 82-foot pool, fitness center, lounge, terrace, and private dining room. There is also a covered-driveway entrance.

The No. 2 contract was a limestone townhouse at 60 East 83rd Street, asking $17.25 million, which was listed in March. The 7-story, 20-foot-wide house has 8,575 square feet including 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 3 powder rooms, 3 fireplaces, an elevator, a basketball court with a 23-foot ceiling, a gym, plus a rooftop sunroom and terrace. A 22-foot kitchen opens onto a garden. The house was purchased in 2005 for $7,530,000 and renovated. Annual real estate taxes are $123,795.