NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 – The largest known Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth, weighing an astonishing 24.67 kilograms, has been sold at auction for $4.3 million, setting a new record for space rock sales.
Identified as Northwest Africa (NWA) 16788, the rare meteorite was recovered in the Sahara Desert in Niger in late 2023 by a private meteorite hunter. It is confirmed to have originated from the planet Mars, with its unique composition matching that of rocks previously analyzed by NASA’s Mars landers.
The historic auction, held by Sotheby’s in New York as part of its annual “Geek Week” science and natural history collection, attracted global attention from collectors and science enthusiasts. The winning bidder, whose identity remains undisclosed, secured the specimen for $4.3 million, although the final price with fees totaled approximately $5.3 million.
According to Sotheby’s Vice Chairman for Science and Natural History, Cassandra Hatton, the sale marks a “miraculous moment” in the history of meteoritics, describing the specimen as a “once-in-a-lifetime find.”
Experts believe this massive Martian rock constitutes roughly 7 percent of all known Martian meteorites on Earth, making it a scientifically significant discovery. However, its transition into private ownership has reignited debate within the scientific community about whether such rare celestial artifacts should remain accessible to public institutions and researchers.
Despite the controversy, the sale underscores the rising demand and market value for extraordinary space relics. Whether for scientific study or private admiration, NWA 16788 now holds the distinction of being the most expensive Martian meteorite ever auctioned.