2025-07-19T07:36:05Z

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How much would you pay for a piece of history? Imagine owning a 150-million-year-old relic that not only defies time but also competition.

On a buzzing Wednesday at Sotheby’s, a rare juvenile Ceratosaurus fossil, believed to be the only one of its kind, was auctioned off for a staggering $30.5 million. This fossil, discovered in 1996 at the Bone Cabin Quarry in Wyoming, stands as a testament to a bygone era. Out of the mere four known Ceratosaurus skeletons, this is the only juvenile, stretching over six feet tall and nearly 11 feet long.

With 139 fossilized bone elements, including an exquisite, nearly intact skull, this dinosaur was marked by Sotheby’s as 'one of the finest examples of its kind.' In a heated six-minute bidding frenzy, the fossil shattered its expected pre-sale estimate of $4 to $6 million. Previously housed in the Museum of Ancient Life in Utah, this prehistoric marvel has yet to make a mark in scientific literature.

Ceratosaurus nasicornis, a ferocious carnivore from the late Jurassic period, is notable for its unique nasal horn, elongated teeth, and bony armor. Although the unnamed buyer has expressed intentions to loan the skeleton to an institution, experts remain wary.

Steve Brusatte, a paleontology professor, voiced his concerns about the accessibility of such relics, questioning, 'Who has that kind of money to spend on a dinosaur? Not museums or educational institutions.' The fear is that it may end up hidden in private luxuries rather than public displays.

Yet, Sotheby’s insists that the private market has its role in the preservation and promotion of scientific specimens. According to Cassandra Hatton, their global head of science, this sale highlights a passionate curiosity about our planet's history.

This auction is part of a growing trend with fossil prices soaring, like last year’s $44.6 million Stegosaurus. 'Ultimately,' Brusatte warns, 'in a world where dinosaur bones are worth millions, their educational value risks being lost.'