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Martian meteorite sold for over $5 million

A unique piece of Mars fetched over $5.3 million at a Sotheby's auction.

July 17, 2025 at 07:15 PM

Someone paid $5.3 million for a piece of Mars

A significant piece of Martian heritage changes hands for a record sum.

Rare Martian meteorite sells for over $5 million

A unique meteorite from Mars has fetched over $5.3 million at a Sotheby's auction. Known as NWA 16788, this meteorite was found in the Sahara in 2023 and weighs over 54 pounds. Its sale marks the highest price ever paid for a meteorite. The piece is exceptional, as it represents about 6.5 percent of all known Martian material on Earth. The auction saw a bidding war that started at $4.3 million. Prior to the sale, a lab confirmed its Martian origin through chemical analysis.

Key Takeaways

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NWA 16788 is the most valuable meteorite sold to date.

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The meteorite weighs over 54 pounds and is 70 percent larger than the second-largest piece.

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Only 400 Martian meteorites are recognized globally, making them extremely rare.

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The auction began with a base price of $4.3 million before fees.

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The meteorite's unique chemical composition was verified by a lab.

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This sale reflects growing interest in space-related collectibles among wealthy buyers.

"The sale reflects a growing interest in space-related collectibles."

This highlights the trend of affluent buyers investing in space artifacts.

"NWA 16788 weighs over 54 pounds and is the largest piece of Mars known to exist on Earth."

This underscores its significance among Martian meteorites.

"The auction began at $4.3 million, marking a competitive bidding environment."

This demonstrates the strong demand for rare space relics.

"Only 400 Martian meteorites are recognized globally, making this find exceptionally rare."

This rarity drives up the value and interest in such auctions.

The auctioning of this Martian meteorite indicates a growing interest in space collectibles among affluent buyers. This trend highlights a broader fascination with space exploration and the commercialization of cosmic finds. As access to outer space increases, we may see more private investments in such unique artifacts. The high price also raises questions about the future value of space materials and their role in private collections.