Why do historic meteorite falls have special value?
Historic falls carry stories, early scientific importance and limited supply, so specimens from them are prized by collectors and museums.
Some meteorites are valued not only for their type or rarity, but for their history.
Scientific history. Certain falls shaped our understanding of meteorites. Ensisheim, which fell in 1492, is the oldest preserved fall in Europe. Wold Cottage, in 1795, was important in the debate about whether stones fell from the sky. L'Aigle, in 1803, convinced scientists that meteorites come from space. Owning a piece of such falls connects collectors to these turning points.
Cultural history. Some meteorites are linked with myths, religion or famous events. Others fell on buildings, cars or people, such as Peekskill and Sylacauga, which attract public interest.
Limited supply. Many historic falls produced only small amounts of material, much of which is held in museums. Small amounts available to collectors are often in great demand.
Provenance. Specimens with documented histories, such as old museum labels or collection records, add to the story and value.
Freshness and authenticity. Old falls were often collected soon after they landed and have been kept in collections for many years, sometimes with good documentation.
Caveats. Very old specimens may have weathered or been altered by past treatments, such as varnish. Fakes or mislabelled specimens exist, so provenance is important.
Museums. Historic falls are often central to museum collections and exhibitions. Museums may be keen to acquire significant historic specimens.
For many collectors, a small piece of a historic fall, with its story, is more meaningful than a larger specimen of an ordinary find.