Ceratosaur Skeleton Sells for $30.5 Million at Sotheby’s
Dinosaur Fossil Fetches millions at Sotheby’s, Highlighting Growing Market
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A Rare Carnivorous Dinosaur skeleton Commands a High Price, Joining Other Notable Natural History Sales
Sotheby’s has once again demonstrated the booming market for natural history artifacts, with a remarkably complete ceratosaurus dinosaur fossil selling for a staggering $15.3 million. The carnivorous dinosaur,which roamed the Earth approximately 154 million to 149 million years ago,was described by Sotheby’s as “extraordinary” and “one of the finest and most complete examples of its genus ever found.” The fossil boasts 139 original bone elements and a “remarkably complete and fully articulated skull,” making it a notable find for any collector or institution.
From Wyoming Quarry to Auction Block
The remarkable specimen was unearthed in 1996 at the renowned Bone Cabin Quarry (West) in Wyoming. prior to its sale, it was exhibited unmounted at the Museum of Ancient Life, a nonprofit institution in Utah. According to a report by The New York times,the museum removed the fossil from its collection and sold it to Brock sisson,a former employee and now a commercial paleontologist,for an undisclosed sum. sisson’s company then mounted the fossil, preparing it for its high-profile auction debut at Sotheby’s.
This sale follows a trend of significant dinosaur fossil auctions. In 2022, Sotheby’s sold a Gorgosaurus skeleton for $6.1 million. Even more famously, the iconic T. rex nicknamed ‘Sue’ made history in 1997 when it became the first dinosaur sold at auction, fetching $8.4 million. ‘Sue’ is now a prized exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago. The buyer of the Ceratosaurus, who wishes to remain anonymous, has indicated an intention to loan the fossil to an institution, ensuring its continued accessibility for public viewing and scientific study.
Martian Meteorite and Other High-value Finds
The natural history auction at Sotheby’s wasn’t solely about ancient creatures. The event also featured the largest piece of Mars on earth, the Martian Meteorite – NWA 16788. After a competitive bidding process, this 54-pound scientific specimen sold for $5.3 million, including fees, exceeding its high estimate of $4 million. This sale set a new world record for the most valuable meteorite ever sold at auction, underscoring the diverse and valuable nature of extraterrestrial and ancient terrestrial artifacts.Beyond the headline-grabbing Ceratosaurus and Martian meteorite, two other lots achieved seven-figure sums, substantially surpassing their estimates. A “virtually complete” Skull of a Pachycephalosaurus, with an estimate of $800,000 to $1.2 million, and an Articulated Tyrannosaurus Rex Foot, estimated between $250,000 and $350,000, both sold for an impressive $1.758 million each, including fees.
A notable aspect of the auction was Sotheby’s acceptance of cryptocurrency payments for all four of the top lots, reflecting the evolving financial landscape and the increasing integration of digital currencies in high-value transactions. This trend suggests a growing openness within the customary art and collectibles market to embrace new payment methods,potentially attracting a wider range of buyers.