A well-preserved Caenagnathid dinosaur, affectionately known as Spike, is expected to headline Christie’s inaugural “Groundbreakers: Icons of Our Time” auction in London on December 11.
At 68 million years old and counting, Spike is one of the most complete specimens of its kind, possibly representing a new species. Discovered in 2022, the sub-adult dinosaur has more than 100 preserved fossil bones and is believed to have once been heavily feathered. This is the first time a Caenagnathid Oviraptorosaur has been offered at auction. It is estimated to fetch between £3 million and £5 million ($4 million to $6.6 million).
“Spike is a truly exceptional specimen, and it is a great honour to present him here at Christie’s. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to King Street to meet Spike in person,” James Hyslop, the head of Christie’s science and natural history department, said in a statement.
The “Groundbreakers” auction will bring together 30 lots of notable discoveries and achievements—spanning natural history, cinema, music, literature, fashion, sport and technology—from the 20th and 21st centuries, including Spike.
Additional highlights include personal letters written by cultural icons, rare scientific artifacts, historic musical instruments, and revolutionary design pieces.
Collectors an enthusiasts in London can see Spike on view from December 6–11. For those who want to experience Spike at their own leisure, a VR version can be accessed on Christie’s Select on Apple Vision Pro with a smartphone.
Earlier this year in July, Sotheby’s also auctioned a juvenile Ceratosaur dinosaur fossil, which fetched $30.5 million, well beyond its $6 million estimate.
