Update (December 12, 2024) – ‘The Jurassic Icons: Allosaurus & Stegosaurus’ live auction achieved a total of £12,405,000! The pair of Allosaurus fossils, including the skeletons of both a juvenile and an adult, fetched £8,130,000, surpassing the estimate of £5,000,000–£8,000,000. The Stegosaurus skeleton sold for £4,275,000, within its estimated range of £3,000,000–£5,000,000.
Consistently drawing global attention and commanding impressive bids, Christie’s has been successful in its sale of exceptionally rare pieces. A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, towering at 13 feet tall and stretching 40 feet long with 188 bones, fetched an astonishing $31.8 million at auction in 2020. Now, the auction house is back with another piece of natural history. On December 12, Christie’s London will host Jurassic Icons: Allosaurus & Stegosaurus, a live auction featuring three extraordinary dinosaur fossils.
These relics, dating back an astonishing 157 to 145 million years, include specimens from two of the most iconic species of their time. The auction will feature a pair of Allosaurus fossils, including the skeletons of both a juvenile and an adult (£5,000,000–8,000,000), alongside a Stegosaurus skeleton, offered without reserve (£3,000,000–5,000,000).
The Allosaurus reigned as the apex predator of the Late Jurassic, thriving roughly 155 to 145 million years ago. Often seen as a precursor to the Tyrannosaurus rex in popular culture, it predates its famous successor in both age and scientific discovery.
This remarkable pair of Allosaurus fossils offers a fascinating glimpse into the Jurassic world. Their close proximity suggests the possibility of communal or familial behavior, hinting at cooperative foraging or social structures similar to those seen in some modern-day predators.
Stegosaurus, the iconic herbivorous dinosaur renowned for its distinctive armored plates and spiked tail, developed these features as adaptations to environmental challenges and predator-prey dynamics. As a hallmark of the Jurassic period, it remains one of the most recognizable and intriguing dinosaurs in history.
James Hyslop, Head of Science & Natural History at Christie’s London, said, “It is an extraordinary privilege to be entrusted with the sale of these remarkable dinosaur fossils. This marks the first time three dinosaurs have been offered at auction at Christie’s, making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
He added, “We look forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition at Christie’s King Street in London from 7 to 12 December, where you can stand in the presence of these ancient giants and marvel at the wonders of our Earth’s past. Entry is free and open to all, offering a unique experience for both adults and children.”
Ahead of the auction, Christie’s Education will host a free online talk delving into the fascinating world of dinosaurs, exploring their discovery, fossil preservation, and their enduring significance in Earth’s history—an ideal chance to expand your knowledge of these ancient giants.
