Rare Martian Meteorite Set for Auction in New York, Expected to Fetch $4 Million

On July 13, 2025, Sotheby’s in New York will auction a remarkable celestial artifact: a 54-pound (25-kilogram) Martian meteorite known as NWA 16788. This piece is expected to sell for between $2 million and $4 million, making it one of the most significant auctions in the realm of natural history. The auction is part of Sotheby’s Geek Week 2025, which features a collection of unique items, including other meteorites and fossils.

The meteorite, which measures approximately 15 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches, is notable for being the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth. According to Cassandra Hatton, Vice Chairman for Science and Natural History at Sotheby’s, this specimen is more than double the size of the previously recognized largest piece of Martian rock. Hatton stated, “This Martian meteorite is the largest piece of Mars we have ever found by a long shot.” Its discovery adds to the limited collection of Martian meteorites on Earth, which totals only about 400 out of over 77,000 meteorites officially documented.

The fascinating history of NWA 16788 began when it was ejected from the Martian surface due to an asteroid strike, traveling approximately 140 million miles before colliding with Earth in the Sahara Desert. A meteorite hunter located the rock in Niger in November 2023, and subsequent analysis confirmed its Martian origins. The meteorite was examined in a specialized laboratory, where it was identified as an “olivine-microgabbroic shergottite,” a type of rock formed from the gradual cooling of Martian magma. The unique minerals contained within include pyroxene and olivine, contributing to its coarse-grained texture.

Experts have confirmed that the meteorite exhibits a glassy surface, a testament to the intense heat it endured upon entering Earth’s atmosphere. Such attributes prompted experts to ascertain that this rock was not an ordinary terrestrial stone. The previous owner of this meteorite has not been disclosed, and while the exact date of its impact on Earth remains uncertain, testing suggests it occurred in recent years.

In addition to the meteorite, the auction will also feature a juvenile Ceratosaurus nasicornis skeleton, estimated to be worth between $4 million and $6 million. This dinosaur skeleton, which was found in 1996 near Laramie, Wyoming, is from the late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago. Specialists have painstakingly assembled nearly 140 fossil bones to recreate the skeleton for display.

The inclusion of both the Martian meteorite and the Ceratosaurus skeleton illustrates the diverse range of scientific and historical artifacts being offered at the auction. Sotheby’s has positioned this event as a celebration of rare and unique finds in the natural history domain, highlighting the intersection of science, art, and the marketplace.

As the auction date approaches, the anticipation surrounding NWA 16788 continues to grow, not only among collectors but also among scientists and enthusiasts intrigued by the mysteries of Mars and the universe beyond. This auction symbolizes a rare opportunity to own a piece of another planet, fostering a sense of connection to the cosmos that few other items can provide.