At a recent auction held at Christie’s in London, fossils of three rare dinosaurs—two Allosaurus and one Stegosaurus—were sold for an impressive $15.7 million. The fossils, dating back around 150 million years, were unearthed from Carbon County, Wyoming, in the United States, according to the BBC.
After excavation, the fossils were carefully transported to London in 12 crates, where they were reconstructed and prepared for display at the auction. “It is humbling to stand in the presence of these ancient giants and marvel at the wonders of our Earth’s past,” said James Hyslop, Head of Science and Natural History at Christie’s.
The fossils on sale included two Allosaurus skeletons and one Stegosaurus, representing two of the most iconic dinosaurs from the Late Jurassic period. The Allosaurus, considered a precursor to the Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex), was a fierce predator known for its sharp claws and strong bite. On the other hand, the Stegosaurus, a herbivore, had distinctive armored plates and a spiked tail that helped it defend against predators and survive in tough conditions.
While no dinosaur skeleton is entirely complete, Hyslop explained that the fossils had been enhanced with castings, sculpted elements, and 3D-printed materials, mounted on custom frames for display. The Stegosaurus fossil comprises about 144 bone elements, the adult Allosaurus has 143, and the juvenile version has 135.
Dinosaur fossils can fetch millions at auction, though some experts criticize this, arguing that private collections may prevent public and scientific access. However, Hyslop noted that many private collectors are eager to share their passion, citing that past auctions, like those of the T. rex “Stan” and a raptor skeleton, have resulted in fossils being displayed in museums for public viewing.
