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Dinosaur fossil auctions have become popular in recent years, attracting collectors eager to own a piece of prehistoric history. These auctions often feature rare and well-preserved specimens that can fetch staggering prices.
Even the most well-preserved fossils aren’t complete. Experts use sculpted materials and 3D printing to fill in missing pieces. In 2022, “Shen” was set to be the first T. rex fossil auctioned in Hong Kong and Asia. But it was cancelled when concerns were raised that parts of the skeleton could have been copied from “Stan” fossils.
Even though some scientists believe fossils should only be used for science or shown to the public, dinosaur skeletons are prized by private collectors.
Prices for fossils have increased significantly over the past 25 years.
Here are the most expensive dinosaurs of five different species to ever be auctioned publicly.
Apex: This Stegosaurus fossil was excavated in the US state of Colorado in 2023. With an impressive 254 bones out of 319, it was last auctioned on July 17, 2024, for HK$348 million.
Stan: In 1992, this T. rex was excavated with 188 fossil bones from South Dakota in the United States. It was most recently auctioned for HK$247 million on October 6, 2020.
Hector: The Deinonychus antirrhopus is the inspiration behind the velociraptor in the Jurassic Park films. Meanwhile, the actual velociraptor was the size of a turkey. Measuring three metres long, this fossil sold for HK$97 million on May 12, 2022. Its 126 bones were removed from the ground in 2015 in Montana.
Big John: This Triceratops was auctioned on October 21, 2021, for HK$60 million. This fossil was dug up in South Dakota in 2015 with more than 200 bones.
Vulcain: At 21 metres in length, this Apatosaurus with 300 fossil bones sold for HK$50 million on November 16, 2024. It was excavated in 2021 from Wyoming.
The dinosaurs featured here lived during various stages of the Mesozoic Era, specifically the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Although they were discovered in the same region, some of these giants never even crossed paths.
Unique geological formations, developed palaeontological sciences and private excavation laws make the United States a particularly fertile ground for discovering dinosaurs.
