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Natural History Consignment
In December 2019, Sotheby’s presented its third annual History of Science & Technology sale, a popular event that assembled an intriguing selection of fossils, minerals and meteorites. The sale also included the full skeleton of an extinct Cave Bear from the Cenozoic period (126,000 years ago); and fantastic natural gogotte sculptures, formed by limestone concretions in the Fontainebleau region of France and dating to the Oligocene period (30 million years ago).
If you are wondering about the value of your ancient fossil, mineral or meteorite, simply submit images and information about your natural object through our easy-to-use online estimate form. Our specialists will review your submission and issue preliminary estimates for items that can be included in our sales, free of charge.
Find Out the Value of Your Natural Objects
Submit photos and information about your historic fossil, meteorite or mineral collection and begin your complimentary estimate request.
Get an Estimate
Talk to a Specialist
Talk to a Specialist
NEW YORK: +1 212 710 5916
LONDON: +44 (0)20 3936 5386
PARIS: +33 1 85 16 83 05
Natural History Consigned with Sotheby's
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where should I sell my Natural and Earth Science objects?Sotheby's experts have been evaluating fossils, minerals and meteorites for many years, and our specialists are distinguished experts in their field. Our free auction estimate process is easy and confidential to ensure that you can quickly receive a Sotheby’s valuation. When you are ready to consign a dinosaur artefact, prehistoric animal skeleton or gogotte formation, your dedicated specialist will help you navigate the auction consignment process to make it as seamless as possible.
- Why are prehistoric Natural History artifacts valuable?Rare examples of nature’s prehistoric artwork are in demand worldwide because so few of these ancient artifacts exist. For example, serious science buffs collect meteorites, with some specimens dated at more than four billion years old. Mineral specimens and agate slices are also highly desirable for their natural beauty and scientific interest.
- What types of Natural Science objects are in demand?Passionate collectors bid competitively for important examples of natural science such as a fossil, extinct animal skeleton, dinosaur relic or fossilized wood. These might include a fish fossil, trilobite fossil, ichthyosaur fossil, marine skeleton, fossilized shells, animal skeleton, prehistoric egg, megalodon tooth or petrified wood.
- How does Sotheby's determine the value of my Natural Science objects?Sotheby's specialists have decades of experience in evaluating fossils, meteorites and minerals. Simply submit clear photographs of the front and back of your rare natural artefact and our specialists will carefully review the object and determine its value.