Natural History

The Natural History department conducts three auctions per year, firmly establishing Bonhams as the forerunner in the field internationally. An extraordinarily wide range of categories are offered, including: mineral specimens; fossils, including dinosauria, petrified wood, amber and ammolite; unmounted faceted gemstones, including rare phenomenal gemstones; gold; meteorites; lapidary, archaeological stone artefacts; mounts and animal, plant, insect and shell specimens, pearls and coral, and natural history-related decor and curiosities.

With consignments culled from private collections, palaeontologists, fossil preparators, quarry and mine owners, the auctions are successful in providing specimens that are fresh to the market.

Lots in future auctions

Highlights from past auctions

Sold for US$ 107,360 inc. premium

The Peace Keeper Nugget - Incomparable Treasure from the Gold Coast
Sold for US$ 50,000 inc. premium

Dramatic Fossil Palm Flower
Sold for US$ 98,500 inc. premium
Property of Various Owners


Ruby, Obsidian and Rock Crystal Quartz Chess Set-"The Frog Prince"
Sold for US$ 85,400 inc. premium

King of all Saber-Tooths – Extraordinarily Large Saber-Toothed Cat Skull