Sotheby's auctioning 150 million-year-old dinosaur fossil for millions

In the United States, Sotheby's Auction House is set to auction a nearly complete Ceratosaurus dinosaur skeleton on July 16, 2025. The fossil, which is remarkably well-preserved, measures 10 feet, 8 inches long and stands 6 feet, 3 inches tall. It includes a virtually complete skull belonging to a juvenile dinosaur that lived approximately 150 million years ago. The skeleton has garnered attention for its exceptional preservation, highlighting both its scientific value and its potential for collectors. With an opening bid of $2.5 million, the auction is anticipated to culminate in a final price within the range of $4 million to $6 million. The owner, Brock Sisson, is seeking to sell the skeleton through Sotheby's, stirring excitement among collectors and paleontology enthusiasts alike. The hope is that one lucky winner might take home this unique piece of history and perhaps even use it as a conversation starter in their man cave. Given the cultural significance and rarity of such fossils, the auction is expected to attract significant interest from various buyers, including wealthy individuals who desire such a prestigious addition to their collections. However, the price tag raises questions about the accessibility of rare historical artifacts to the general public and whether they should belong exclusively to affluent collectors. As the auction date approaches, many are weighing the impact of high-value auctions on the field of paleontology and the preservation of such unique specimens. While Brock Sisson stands to benefit financially from the sale, the broader implications of dinosaur auctions are sure to fuel discussions in the coming days, especially around who should own these ancient relics and their role in education and public enjoyment.