Katja Collects: A Juvenile Ceratosaurus

Summer continues to surprise us and this time, it roars. In a season where creativity often turns toward the ancient and awe-inspiring, our latest Katja Collects spotlight features a truly prehistoric marvel: a juvenile Ceratosaurus from the Late Jurassic, Kimmeridgian Stage (approximately 154–149 million years ago). This extraordinary fossil was the crown jewel of Sotheby’s Natural History auction in July, shattering expectations with a final sale price of $30,510,000, far surpassing its $4–6 million estimate. A rare specimen with remarkable preservation, the Ceratosaurus offers a glimpse into Earth’s distant past, to a place where bone and mystery intertwine.

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What:

A Juvenile Ceratosaurus, Late Jurassic, Kimmeridgian Stage

Where:

Sotheby’s Natural History auction, July 16, 2025

Cost:

$30,510,000 (against an estimate of $4–6 million)

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See it:

In the summer 2025 blockbuster film Jurassic World Rebirth, a scientist laments that no one is interested in dinosaurs anymore, yet recent auction results beg to differ. Sotheby’s July 2025 auction of Natural History achieved $45 million in sales, above an estimate of $9.4 million, with 96% of the 122 lots sold. In addition to the top lot of the $30 million skeleton of a juvenile Ceratosaurus, other important artefacts included a skull of a Pachycephalosaurus for $1.76 million, and an articulated right foot of an adult T. Rex (weighing an incredible 84 pounds) that sold for $1.76 million.

There has been increased interest in exceptional dinosaur fossils, with corresponding increases in prices for rare examples. The place to get top specimens is in an auction category titled The Natural World (or sometimes referred to as natural history) at the top auction houses. For a historical refresher, the Jurassic era is a geologic period that spanned from approximately 201.3 million to 145 million years ago and is considered a dynamic period in Earth’s history. It’s marked by the dominance of dinosaurs, the flourishing of flora and fauna, and the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. The Jurassic Park books, written by Michael Crichton, and the film franchise it launched, captured our fascination with this prehistoric era. Many of us can see dinosaur fossils and skeletons at local natural history museums, yet some geology, history and science buffs are so fascinated by natural history that they collect specimens in the forms of fossils as well. The Ceratosaurus was a biped, so it moved on powerful legs, with reduced arms. Visually, think of a mini T-Rex, measuring approximately 6 feet in height, and almost 11 feet in length.

What makes the Sotheby’s Ceratosaurus so desirable from a collecting standpoint is the exceptional quality of 139 original fossil bone skeleton with a virtually complete skull (57 fossil bone elements) revealing the orbital ridge-shaped horns behind the nostrils. The specimen was meticulously prepared and is accurately articulated anatomically in an action pose on a custom metal armature with jaws open, displaying 43 intact teeth and 5 loose. The aesthetics of the mount are impressive, and so is the science. Paleontologists determined it was a juvenile species based on the overall size and degree of bone development. The specimen was found in Fossil Lake, Wyoming, a region within the Green River Formation, known for its exceptional Eocene-era fossils.

Collect it:

Like other collectibles, the most sought-after dinosaur fossils are rare, in excellent condition and subject to market demand. For instance, a T-Rex fossil will generally sell for more than a common herbivore bone. While the top lots sell for millions, there are also fragments that sell for more modest amounts.

Even a fragment is a physical piece of the earth’s history and is like a time capsule from the past, offering clues about the earth, and the great beasts that roamed the planet then (and still ignite our imagination now). Geological forces like sedimentation, pressure, and chemical changes play critical roles in preserving fossils. Fossilization techniques vary and impact both the appearance and the scientific value of fossils. Dinosaurs have been preserved through these two natural forces, providing enthusiasts an enriching and scholarly hobby.

While the collector hunts for specimens at auction, all enthusiasts can try their luck on guided fossil digs such as those offered by Fossil Lake Safari . It’s important to remember the unique ownership and title issues related to fossils. In places like the United States, fossils discovered on private land are generally owned by the landowner, but those found on public land are considered part of the common heritage and are protected by law. Therefore, it is also important to check provenance, condition reports, and title papers to verify the fossils were legally obtained. You can learn more here.

Care for it:

Dinosaur bones have been preserved for millions of years because they were below ground, not above it. Free-standing dinosaur skeletons in museums are away from sunlight, which can cause bleaching and deterioration. If you choose to display a Velociraptor skeleton in your foyer, also protect it from sunlight. Consider displaying smaller fossils in cases made of UV-resistant glass to help filter harmful light and protect your fossil from dust and accidental contact. Storage in acid-free storage boxes, available at art supply stores, are another option. Make certain your relics are around for the next generation to study and enjoy.

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