LONDON.- Christie’s announced the sale of three impressive dinosaur fossils, circa 157-145 million years old, in the Jurassic Icons: Allosaurus & Stegosaurus live auction on 12 December at Christie’s headquarters in London. The sale will showcase a pair of Allosaurus dinosaur fossils comprising the skeleton of a juvenile and an adult Allosaurus (estimate: £5,000,000-8,000,000) in addition to a skeleton of a Stegosaurus, offered with no reserve (estimate: £3,000,000-5,000,000).

Allosaurus and Juvenile Allosaurus (Estimate: £5,000,000-8,000,000)

The Allosaurus was the top predator of the Late Jurassic, living around 155 to 145 million years ago. Recognized in popular culture as a precursor to the Tyrannosaurus rex, it predates it both in age and discovery.

The pair of Allosaurus fossils, comprising the skeleton of a juvenile and an adult Allosaurus provide a wonderful insight into the Jurassic era and could suggest communal or familial groupings. Such aggregations, specifically the presence of this juvenile Allosaurus being found so near an adult, could imply cooperative foraging or social structures akin to those observed in certain extant predators.

Stegosaurus (Estimate: £3,000,000-5,000,000) – no reserve

Stegosaurus, the iconic herbivorous dinosaur known for its distinctive armoured plates and spiked tail, evolved these features as adaptations to environmental pressures and predator-prey dynamics. As a symbol of the Jurassic period, Stegosaurus remains one of the most recognizable and captivating dinosaurs in history.

James Hyslop, Head of Science & Natural History at Christie’s London: “It is an extraordinary privilege to be entrusted with the sale of these remarkable dinosaur fossils. This marks the first time three dinosaurs have been offered at auction at Christie’s, making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition at Christie’s King Street in London from 7 to 12 December, where you can stand in the presence of these ancient giants and marvel at the wonders of our Earth’s past. Entry is free and open to all, offering a unique experience for both adults and children.”

Christie’s Education will host a free online talk ahead of the auction which will explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs, and the discovery and preservation of dinosaur fossils—an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of their place in Earth’s history.