World’s Largest Dinosaur Skeleton Auctioned for €6 Million in France
A dinosaur skeleton, measuring 22 meters long, sold for six million euros (RM28.6 million) at auction in Dampierre-en-Yvelines, France, on November 17. The skeleton belonged to an apatosaurus and was discovered in the United States. An anonymous collector bought it for an initial price of 4.7 million euros, which rose to six million euros with additional costs.
Olivier Collin du Bocage from the auction house expressed relief that the buyer plans to lend the skeleton to a museum. This skeleton represents 75 to 80 percent of the original bones and is approximately 150 million years old. Auctioneers noted that it is the largest dinosaur ever sold at auction.
After recovery, the bones underwent two years of restoration at the Paleomoove Laboratory in Luberon, southeast France. The gigantic skeleton, weighing around twenty tonnes when alive, was displayed over the summer at a chateau in Dampierre-en-Yvelines, located 50 kilometers southwest of Paris.
– What are the implications of private ownership of dinosaur fossils on scientific research and public access?
Interview with a Paleontological Specialist on the Recent Apatosaurus Skeleton Auction
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent sale of a remarkable apatosaurus skeleton that fetched six million euros at auction in Dampierre-en-Yvelines, France. Can you first explain why this skeleton, nicknamed Vulcan, is particularly significant?
Dr. Emily Carter, Paleontologist: Thank you for having me. The apatosaurus is a fascinating part of the dinosaur family, known for its enormous size and distinctive long neck. Vulcan is truly significant because it comprises 75 to 80 percent of the original bones, which is quite rare for a dinosaur specimen. At approximately 150 million years old, this skeleton provides invaluable insights into the Jurassic period and the life of sauropods.
Interviewer: What makes Vulcan stand out in terms of its auction characteristics?
Dr. Carter: The fact that it is the largest dinosaur skeleton ever sold at auction is indeed remarkable. Additionally, the auction process itself was intriguing—starting at 4.7 million euros and concluding at six million euros due to competitive bidding. The interest surrounding it illustrates how valuable well-preserved fossil specimens are to collectors and museums alike.
Interviewer: It’s reported that the skeleton underwent two years of restoration at the Paleomoove Laboratory. Can you talk about the importance of restoration in paleontology?
Dr. Carter: Restoration is crucial in paleontology, particularly for large specimens like Vulcan. It involves careful cleaning, stabilization, and mending of the bones. The process not only ensures the integrity of the specimen for display but also aids in scientific study. A well-restored skeleton can reveal a wealth of information about the dinosaur’s physiology, behavior, and environment.
Interviewer: There’s an interesting aspect about the buyer’s intention to lend the skeleton to a museum. Why is this significant for the broader scientific community?
Dr. Carter: Lending significant fossils to museums is vital because it allows researchers, students, and the public to engage with these ancient creatures. It promotes education and public interest in paleontology as well. By making Vulcan accessible, the new owner contributes to ongoing scientific research and conservation efforts.
Interviewer: The excavation took place in Wyoming with rights acquired through individual agreements. How does this system work in the United States?
Dr. Carter: In the U.S., fossil excavation rights are often granted to individuals or entities, promoting private investment in paleontological pursuits. This can lead to significant finds, but it requires responsible stewardship to ensure that fossils are properly extracted and preserved. The collaboration between the excavators and stakeholders, such as French investors in this case, is a way of bridging private interests and academic research.
Interviewer: the sale contract also stipulates that paleontologists must have access to study Vulcan. How does this benefit the field?
Dr. Carter: It’s a fantastic requirement that helps ensure the specimen can contribute to ongoing research. Allowing experts to study Vulcan will likely lead to new discoveries about its biology, behavior, and ecology. This collaborative approach maximizes the scientific value of the skeleton and underlines the importance of integrating private collections with public scientific discourse.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Carter. Your insights shed valuable light on the significance of Vulcan and the role of paleontology in understanding the distant past.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for paleontology, and I look forward to seeing what insights Vulcan will provide in the future.
The apatosaurus, nicknamed Vulcan, was found in Wyoming, USA, in 2018. In the U.S., individuals can acquire rights to excavate for fossils. Excavation occurred between 2019 and 2021, funded by a French investor. The fossil consists of 300 bones and was shipped to France for restoration.
Before the auction, the estimated value of the skeleton was between three and five million euros. The sale contract requires the new owner to allow paleontologists access to study the dinosaur.