A perfectly preserved Caenagnathid dinosaur, affectionately known as Spike, is expected to headline Christie’s inaugural “Pioneers: Icons of Our Times” sale in London on December 11.
At 68 million years old and counting, Spike is one of the most complete specimens of its kind and may represent a new species. Discovered in 2022, this sub-adult dinosaur has more than 100 well-preserved bone fossils and is believed to have once had a large number of feathers. this is the first time Oviraptor Already offered at auction. It is expected to sell for between £3 million and £5 million ($4 million to $6.6 million).
“Spike is a truly remarkable specimen and we are extremely honored to be showing him at Christie’s. We look forward to welcoming visitors to King Street to see Spike for themselves,” James Hyslop, head of science and natural history at Christie’s, said in a statement.
The “Groundbreakers” auction will bring together 30 notable discoveries and achievements from the 20th and 21st centuries, spanning natural history, film, music, literature, fashion, sports and technology, including Spike.
Other highlights include personal letters written by cultural icons, rare scientific artifacts, historic musical instruments and revolutionary design pieces.
Collectors and enthusiasts in London can see Spike on display from December 6th to 11th. For those who want to experience Spike at their leisure, the VR version can be accessed on Christie’s Select on Apple Vision Pro using your smartphone.
In early July this year, Sotheby’s auction house also auctioned a juvenile Ceratosaurus dinosaur fossil, which sold for US$30.5 million, far exceeding its estimate of US$6 million.
