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Maine museum loses largest meteorite to Sotheby's auction

NWA 16788, the largest Martian meteorite, sold for $5.3 million in New York.

July 27, 2025 at 05:00 AM

How a Maine museum lost the largest piece of Mars on Earth

A recent auction saw the largest piece of Mars sold to an undisclosed buyer for a significant sum.

Maine museum loses claim to largest Martian meteorite

This month, a 54-pound meteorite, known as NWA 16788, was sold at a Sotheby's auction for $5.3 million. Previously, the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel owned the largest piece of Mars, weighing 32 pounds. Darryl Pitt, a dealer who sought to acquire NWA 16788 for the museum, faced complications during the purchase, resulting in a loss to another buyer. The Maine museum has temporarily adjusted its displays to reflect this change, though it still holds the most extensive collection of Martian meteorites in the world.

Key Takeaways

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NWA 16788 sold for $5.3 million at Sotheby's auction.

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Maine Mineral and Gem Museum previously housed the largest piece of Mars.

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Competition in the meteorite market can change ownership rapidly.

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Darryl Pitt's efforts were thwarted by complications in the purchase process.

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The museum retains the largest collection of Martian meteorites worldwide.

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Upcoming discoveries may further enhance the museum's reputation.

"The museum still holds the largest collection of Martian meteorites in the world."

This highlights the museum's continued significance despite losing the largest individual piece.

"I allowed my anger to cloud my perspective, and I balked at paying the extra money."

Pitt reflects on his decision-making, emphasizing the pressures in the high-stakes market.

This incident highlights the fierce competition within meteorite collecting. The auction dynamics not only drive up prices but also shift the landscape of scientific and collectible value. As Pitt notes, the museum's strength lies in its vast collection rather than just the size of a single meteorite. Meanwhile, the science surrounding Martian rocks continues to evolve, suggesting that value transcends mere size and could lead to greater discoveries ahead.

Highlights

Sometimes the quest for knowledge costs more than just money.
Size may matter, but so does the story behind the rock.
The journey of a meteorite is as fascinating as its origin.
In the meteorite world, the competition is fierce.

Financial Risks Associated with Meteorite Collecting

The large sums involved in meteorite transactions can lead to disputes and pressures that impact decision-making. This incident illustrates the financial risks collectors face when navigating high-stakes sales.

In the realm of science, size may not be everything, but it certainly makes headlines.

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meteorites mars sothebys space science space science geology

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