You won’t believe what Sotheby’s is putting under the hammer this time. The legendary auction house has just announced one of its most unique science and natural history events ever. Among a lineup of priceless pieces, one stands out and is making headlines: a complete baby dinosaur skeleton.
Yes, you read that right. This isn’t just any fossil—it’s the world’s only complete skeleton of a juvenile Ceratosaurus. Originally discovered in Wyoming, this Jurassic treasure could fetch up to $6 million, and the buzz is already huge.
Dinosaur
The baby dinosaur fossil is the highlight of the upcoming Sotheby’s auction. This complete young Ceratosaurus skeleton dates back around 149 to 154 million years, to the Jurassic era. It’s an extremely rare find, the only one of its kind, and institutions like the Natural History Museum are already showing interest.
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Cassandra Hatton, vice president of science and natural history at Sotheby’s, described it as a fossil any museum would fight to get its hands on. To give you some perspective, there are only three other Ceratosaurus skeletons in the world—and none of them are babies. Whoever wins this auction will own a one-of-a-kind piece of natural history.
Fossil
The skeleton’s condition is nothing short of amazing. It includes a complete skull, and the dinosaur measures nearly 2 meters tall and 3 meters long. It was uncovered in 1996 in the Bone Cabin Quarry of Wyoming, a well-known hotspot for Jurassic fossils.
Ceratosaurus dinosaurs were pretty unique—they had a distinctive horn on their nose, giving them a recognizable profile. The horn was likely covered in cartilage and skin when the dinosaur was alive, and that same feature is visible in this fossil. Given its rarity, age, and completeness, it’s no wonder Sotheby’s estimates it could go for anywhere between $4 million and $6 million.
Museums
Sotheby’s isn’t just aiming for private collectors with this one. Hatton has made it clear she hopes museums and scientific institutions step forward to bid. Why? Because this isn’t just a valuable object—it’s a major piece of scientific history.
Museums often acquire fossils like this for education, preservation, and public display. Considering how rare and intact this specimen is, it would become a centerpiece for any natural history exhibit. It’s not just about the price; it’s about who gets to tell its story to the world.
Meteorite
As if a baby dinosaur wasn’t enough, Sotheby’s will also be auctioning off a 24.4-kilogram meteorite from Mars. That’s right—a rock from the red planet. This space rock was found in 2023 in Niger, Africa, and scientists believe it was ejected from Mars after an impact event, traveling through space until it landed on Earth.
According to Hatton, this meteorite holds clues to major questions—like whether Mars’ atmosphere could one day support life, or if trees could grow there. These aren’t just speculative questions; they’re real topics being studied as space agencies plan future Mars missions.
Auction
So, when is all of this going down? The big auction takes place on July 16, and it’s expected to draw global attention. With a catalog that includes both a baby Ceratosaurus and a Martian meteorite, this event is more than just an auction—it’s a celebration of science, nature, and curiosity.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Auction Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Baby Ceratosaurus Skeleton | Jurassic era, only known complete juvenile |
| Meteorite from Mars | Found in 2023, weighs 24.4 kg |
| Auction Date | July 16 |
| Expected Bidders | Museums, collectors, scientific institutions |
| Estimated Price (Skeleton) | $4M to $6M |
Science
Events like this aren’t just exciting—they’re important. By making rare fossils and meteorites available, scientists get the chance to study pieces of history and space that could lead to real discoveries. From better knowing dinosaur growth patterns to decoding Mars’ potential for life, these auction items are more than collector’s items—they’re scientific opportunities.
Imagine seeing this baby Ceratosaurus on display at your local museum or reading a new research paper on Mars thanks to that meteorite. That’s the real power behind auctions like this one. If you had the chance to attend, wouldn’t you be curious to witness history change hands?
FAQs
What is Sotheby’s auctioning?
A complete baby Ceratosaurus skeleton and a Mars meteorite.
How old is the dinosaur fossil?
It dates back to the Jurassic era, 149–154 million years ago.
Where was the skeleton found?
It was discovered in Bone Cabin Quarry, Wyoming, in 1996.
What is the meteorite’s origin?
It came from Mars and was found in Niger in 2023.
When is the auction happening?
The auction is set for July 16.
