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Bids for 54-Pound Mars Meteorite Top $1.6M Ahead of Sotheby’s Sale

Scientists are urging museums to acquire the meteorite to safeguard public access for research.

A Martian meteorite, weighing 54.388 lbs. (24.67 kg), said to be the largest piece of Mars on Earth, estimated at $2 - 4 million, is displayed at Sotheby's, in New York, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, part of their Geek Week auction, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
A Martian meteorite, weighing 54.388 lbs. (24.67 kg), said to be the largest piece of Mars on Earth, estimated at $2 - 4 million, is displayed at Sotheby's, in New York, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, part of their Geek Week auction, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
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Overview

  • Bidding opened at $1.6 million for NWA 16788 ahead of the July 16 Sotheby’s New York natural history auction.
  • The 24.67-kilogram specimen is the largest known fragment of Mars on Earth, representing nearly 7% of all Martian material recovered.
  • Laboratory analysis classified the rock as an olivine-microgabbroic shergottite by matching its chemical fingerprint to NASA’s Viking probe samples.
  • Sotheby’s Geek Week sale has drawn both traditional and cryptocurrency bids, highlighting growing market demand for rare scientific collectibles.
  • Researchers including Steve Brusatte warn that private ownership could restrict study opportunities and are calling on institutions to bid