Loch Ness monster-type skeleton up for auction in New York

Creatures on display have inspired Hollywood monsters

A mounted Plesiosaur skeleton. Photo: Sotheby's

Jul 11, 2023

Fossilised skeletons of two prehistoric predators are set to go on auction at Sotheby's in New York later this month, including a long-necked hunter thought to have helped fuel the legend of the Loch Ness monster.

The two ancient creatures up for auction ruled their respective territories in the sky and in the sea.

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The Pteranodon, one of the largest animals to have ever existed, is leading the Sotheby's Natural History auction on July 26, with an estimated price tag of $4 million to $6 million.

Creatures from Godzilla to Jurassic Park have been inspired by the famed predator.

Joining the Pterandon is a fossilised skeleton of a Plesiosaur, whose graceful curved neck is believed to have inspired the famous fake photo of the Loch Ness monster, also known as Nessie, in 1934.

A view of the Loch Ness Monster, near Inverness, Scotland, April 19, 1934. The photograph, one of two pictures known as the 'surgeon's photographs,' was allegedly taken by Colonel Robert Kenneth Wilson, though it was later exposed as a hoax by one of the participants, Chris Spurling, who, on his deathbed, revealed that the pictures were staged by himself, Marmaduke and Ian Wetherell, and Wilson. References to a monster in Loch Ness date back to St. Columba's biography in 565 AD. More than 1,000 people claim to have seen 'Nessie' and the area is, consequently, a popular tourist attraction. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) — This 1934 supposed image of the Loch Ness monster was later revealed to be a fake. Getty

“Both of these species have long played an important role in our collective imaginations, from inspiring ancient folklore and myths to appearing in Hollywood blockbusters and television shows,” said Cassandra Hatton, head of science and popular culture at Sotheby's.

“They are each instantly recognisable and are remarkable witnesses to the incredible evolutionary power that has shaped life on earth for aeons.”

The Pteranodon skeleton is displayed at Sotheby's. AP

Both skeletons can be viewed at Sotheby's New York from July 20 before the live auction a week later.

Named “Horus” after the ancient Egyptian deity, the Pteranodon fossil is one of the highest quality ever discovered and has a wingspan of 6 metres, Sotheby's said.

The Pteranodon belonged to the Pterosaur family which ruled the skies during the Mesozoic Era. The creatures were known for their huge size and powerful wings, and would mostly feed hundreds of kilometres from the shoreline.

Also appearing at the auction will be the Plesiosaur skeleton, which is expected to sell for between $600,000 – $800,000.

These prehistoric predators roamed the open seas from the Triassic Period until they became extinct during the Cretacious Period, about 65 million years ago.

The underwater creatures were known for their small heads, large flippers and elongated necks.

Updated: July 11, 2023, 6:44 PM