Sotheby’s is set to auction NWA 16788, the largest Martian meteorite found on Earth, with an estimated value between $2 million and $4 million. Discovered in Niger in 2023, this 54-pound meteorite symbolizes a rare opportunity for collectors, especially tech-savvy individuals, as Sotheby’s will accept bids in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC. The auction is scheduled for July 16, and it continues Sotheby’s trend of integrating cryptocurrency into their sales since 2021. Cassandra Hatton, the Vice Chairman of Science and Natural History at Sotheby’s, emphasizes the importance of facilitating bids from the crypto community. Unlike traditional art, estimating the value of meteorites like NWA 16788 is complex due to their unique nature and scarcity, with pricing often calculated based on weight. This meteorite has been authenticated by the Meteoritical Society and was consigned by a private owner for Sotheby’s annual Geek Week auctions. The auction aims to reach a broad audience of potential bidders and cater to the increasing demand for cryptocurrency transactions in the art and collectibles market.

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