According to Bloomberg, interest in fossils among the ultra-wealthy has surged in recent years. For some, it’s a profitable investment; for others, a status symbol. Billionaire Dan O’Dowd, who bought the skeleton of the Tyrannosaurus rex named Samson for $600,000, admitted that he considers it “the best trophy one could possibly imagine.”
Prices on the market continue to rise. In 2020, Christie’s auction house sold the famous Tyrannosaurus rex “Stan” for $31.8 million. Four years later, Citadel founder Ken Griffin paid $44.6 million for the stegosaurus “Apex.” Among the participants in such auctions were actor Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicolas Cage, and other well-known collectors.
According to Bloomberg, the value of a fossil skeleton today is determined in much the same way as the price of a painting by a famous artist. Provenance, authenticity, rarity, and buyer interest are all important factors. At the same time, controversy continues to swirl around some lots. For example, prior to the sale of the “Shen” Tyrannosaurus, paleontologists claimed that it might be a replica of “Stan,” and therefore not worth the stated $15 million.
Experts note that the fossil market remains largely unregulated. This opens up opportunities for private investors but simultaneously leaves museums and scientific institutions with little chance of acquiring unique finds.
The condition of the fossils also affects the price. The remains of predatory dinosaurs are considered the most valuable—they are much rarer. In addition, experts assess the preservation of the bones, the presence of damage, and, most importantly, how complete the skeleton is.
It’s worth noting that another record was set on July 15 at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. The skeleton of the Tyrannosaurus rex named Gus, which is 75–80% complete, sold for $50.1 million—nearly twice its initial estimate. The specimen consists of 183 bones, including rare abdominal ribs and a complete set of six teeth.
