Dinosaur Fossil Fetches Record-Breaking $5.4 Million at Phillips Auction
A 66-million-year-old juvenile Triceratops skeleton, which had never been sold before at auction, has become one of the most talked-about sales in recent history. The fossil, CERA, went under the hammer last night at Phillips's New York Evening Sale and fetched an astonishing $5,377,000, far exceeding its estimated value of $2.5 million to $3.5 million.
The sale marks a significant shift in the art market, where fossils are increasingly being treated as investments and collectors are drawn to their emotional resonance and symbolic power. Phillips has been at the forefront of this trend, and last night's sale was no exception.
"We're seeing a desire for works that spark curiosity and transcend traditional categories," said Miety Heiden, chairman for private sales at Phillips. "This result underscores the appetite for rare and extraordinary pieces that challenge convention and expand the boundaries of what collecting can be."
The sale also saw the return of Francis Bacon's highly anticipated "Study for Head of Isabel Rawsthorne and George Dyer" (1967), which sold for $16 million, neatly within its estimated value. The painting is a masterpiece of modern art and will undoubtedly find a new home with a private collector.
Other notable sales included Joan Mitchell's monumental "Untitled" (1957-1958), Jackson Pollock's 1947 work on paper, and Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Exercise" (1984). Camille Pissarro's late Impressionist piece also performed well, selling for $1.9 million above its high estimate.
The evening sale was a strong success, with 94% of works sold by lot and 97% sold by value. Phillips's new priority bidding system played a significant role in securing early commitments and interest on most lots, contributing to the robust turnout.
According to Robert Manley, chairman for modern and contemporary art at Phillips, the enthusiasm around the sale was evident, with 27 times more early selling bids than last November. The results confirmed not only the enduring draw of blue-chip artists but also the market's resilience and ongoing global demand.
As collectors continue to drive purchasing decisions across collectibles markets, dinosaurs are undoubtedly riding the wave. With their timeless appeal and symbolic power, it's no wonder that fossils like CERA are becoming increasingly popular among art enthusiasts and investors alike.
A 66-million-year-old juvenile Triceratops skeleton, which had never been sold before at auction, has become one of the most talked-about sales in recent history. The fossil, CERA, went under the hammer last night at Phillips's New York Evening Sale and fetched an astonishing $5,377,000, far exceeding its estimated value of $2.5 million to $3.5 million.
The sale marks a significant shift in the art market, where fossils are increasingly being treated as investments and collectors are drawn to their emotional resonance and symbolic power. Phillips has been at the forefront of this trend, and last night's sale was no exception.
"We're seeing a desire for works that spark curiosity and transcend traditional categories," said Miety Heiden, chairman for private sales at Phillips. "This result underscores the appetite for rare and extraordinary pieces that challenge convention and expand the boundaries of what collecting can be."
The sale also saw the return of Francis Bacon's highly anticipated "Study for Head of Isabel Rawsthorne and George Dyer" (1967), which sold for $16 million, neatly within its estimated value. The painting is a masterpiece of modern art and will undoubtedly find a new home with a private collector.
Other notable sales included Joan Mitchell's monumental "Untitled" (1957-1958), Jackson Pollock's 1947 work on paper, and Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Exercise" (1984). Camille Pissarro's late Impressionist piece also performed well, selling for $1.9 million above its high estimate.
The evening sale was a strong success, with 94% of works sold by lot and 97% sold by value. Phillips's new priority bidding system played a significant role in securing early commitments and interest on most lots, contributing to the robust turnout.
According to Robert Manley, chairman for modern and contemporary art at Phillips, the enthusiasm around the sale was evident, with 27 times more early selling bids than last November. The results confirmed not only the enduring draw of blue-chip artists but also the market's resilience and ongoing global demand.
As collectors continue to drive purchasing decisions across collectibles markets, dinosaurs are undoubtedly riding the wave. With their timeless appeal and symbolic power, it's no wonder that fossils like CERA are becoming increasingly popular among art enthusiasts and investors alike.
! I'm all for people wanting to invest in unique pieces, but isn't this just an example of how collectors are driving up prices? What's the actual value of this fossil beyond its aesthetic appeal or historical significance? Is it just being sold because everyone else is bidding on it? 
I'm so glad we're living in an era where people can appreciate the value of something that's been on our planet for 66 million years 
. It's not every day you get to see a piece of history go up for sale and fetch such a massive amount. The fact that it's breaking records is just incredible! 
just saw the most epic news ever... a dinosaur fossil sold for 5.4 million 
is crazy! who knew these ancient bones could be worth so much 
this trend is lit 
gotta love how fossils are becoming the new art investment 
and its not just dino fossils either modern art is on fire too with those super expensive pollock & basquiat pieces selling for millions 
anyway, it's dope to see the market for rare and unique pieces on fire 
.
.
. The sale of Francis Bacon's painting was amazing too, $16 million for a masterpiece like that? 
what do you think is driving this trend towards treating fossils as art investments? 
. i mean i guess if you wanna shell out that kinda cash for some artwork, go ahead but can we pls stick to paintin's or sculptures or somethin? this dinosaur thing is just gettin too weird 
.
it's not just about buying something valuable, it's about owning a piece of history and sparking curiosity 
I mean, who wouldn't want a triceratops skeleton in their collection? 
and yeah, it's crazy that modern art is performing so well too - 16 million for one painting is just insane 
did u no they said this was gonna sell 4 like $3 mil so to get $5 mil is like double what everyone thought? i feel like i gotta start looking into investing in fossils now lol