Christie’s will auction a rare 68-million-year-old Caenagnathid dinosaur skeleton nicknamed 'Spike' at its inaugural 'Groundbreakers: Icons of Our Time' sale in London on December 11. Discovered in 2022, the sub-adult specimen is one of the most complete of its kind, with over 100 preserved fossil bones, and may represent a new species. It is estimated to fetch between £3 million and £5 million ($4 million to $6.6 million), marking the first time a Caenagnathid Oviraptorosaur has been offered at auction.
The auction matters because it highlights the growing crossover between natural history and the high-end art market, where dinosaur fossils have become trophy assets for collectors. The sale also signals Christie’s expansion into broader cultural artifacts beyond traditional art, as the 'Groundbreakers' auction spans cinema, music, literature, and technology. The high-profile nature of the event, combined with a VR viewing option, reflects how auction houses are adapting to attract new audiences and leverage digital experiences.