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Stunningly Well Preserved Ceratosaurus On Auction for $3.5 Million

By Moss & FogUpdated 1 min read
A juvenile Ceratosaurus fossil specimen offered at auction for $3.5 million — a Late Jurassic dinosaur preserved with unusual completeness over 150 million years, its horned nasal ridge visible, the skeleton articulated in a lifelike pose that suggests the animal as it actually moved rather than merely as it died

This beautifully well preserved juvenile Ceratosaurus dinosaur dates back 150 million years to the Late Jurassic period.

Discovered in Wyoming in 1996, the skeleton is in remarkable condition, with 139 original fossil bones and carefully crafted reconstructions.

The skull is especially impressive, nearly complete with 57 fossil elements and 43 sharp teeth.

Fully mineralized in a dark grey-black hue, the skeleton has been meticulously prepared, anatomically accurate, and mounted in a striking, action-ready pose.

We love the scale, and imagine what an incredible piece it would be in a private collection.

With its jaws open and teeth bared, it looks every bit the fierce predator it once was.

Sotheby’s is auctioning this amazing specimen on July 16th, with opening bids starting at $3,500,000.

Photography by Matthew Sherman

A life-sized dinosaur skeleton sculpture posed against a colorful sunset sky, set in a barren landscape.
A dinosaur skeleton displayed against a clear blue sky, with mountains in the background.

Fully mineralized in a dark grey-black hue, the skeleton has been meticulously prepared, anatomically accurate, and mounted in a striking, action-ready pose.

Close-up of a dinosaur skull fossil against a dark background, showcasing intricate bone structure and teeth.
The Moss & Fog ShopA free tote on orders over $60!Add our mushroom tote to any order over $60 and it comes off in your cart, with free US shipping too.Start shoppingFree tote
Fossilized skeleton of a dinosaur, possibly a theropod, displayed against a black backdrop.
A mounted skeleton of a dinosaur, possibly a Tyrannosaurus rex, displayed in a dynamic pose against a black background.
A side view of a dinosaur skeleton displayed on a black background, showcasing its elongated tail and skeletal structure.
A person stands beside a life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in a desert landscape under a clear blue sky with mountains in the background.

By Moss & Fog Staff

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Our best stories on design, nature and architecture, plus Fog Signals, our weekly letter of favorite finds. Free, and easy to leave anytime.

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