The Moon and Beyond, Meteorites from the Stifler Collection is open for bidding at an online sale at Christie’s until July 25. Estimates range from $700 to $350,000. The sale is led by a natural sculpture from outer space – the outstanding aesthetic iron Gibeon Meteorite ($250,000 – 350,000) is draped in a variegated gunmetal-hued patina with ochre accents. Like most iron meteorites, Gibeon meteorites were formed 4.5 billion years ago within the molten core of an asteroid whose shattered remains are part of the asteroid belt.
The Stifler Collection boasts the six largest lunar meteorites on Earth. The vast majority of the collection is being donated to the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum; offered in this auction are duplicates and cuttings taken from specimens being enhanced for display. Proceeds will be donated to the Museum, a land trust created by Stifler & McFadden and other charities supported by the Stifler family.