A triceratops skeleton, nicknamed “Trey,” that was once on display at the Wyoming Dinosaur Centre is heading to auction. The sale, scheduled for March 17-31, comes as the market for dinosaur fossils reaches record levels.
Rare Fossil to be Auctioned
The 17-foot-long fossil is estimated to sell for between $4.5 million and $5.5 million. Bidding will be hosted on Joopiter, an online auction platform founded by Grammy-winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams.
Trey dates back more than 66 million years to the late Cretaceous period. The skeleton was on loan to the Wyoming Dinosaur Centre in Thermopolis, Wyoming, beginning with the museum’s 1995 opening and continuing until 2023.
Currently, the fossil is in Singapore and available for private viewings through the end of March. It was recently sold in a private transaction prior to being offered at auction.
Significance of the Sale
Paleontologist Andre LuJan, who prepared the fossil for auction, noted that Trey “has this cultural aspect that a lot of fossils that head to auction these days just simply don’t have.” He added that the dinosaur has likely inspired young people to pursue careers in paleontology.
the auction will further drive up prices in the dinosaur fossil market. Analysts expect continued interest in these rare artifacts, potentially leading to more fossils being removed from public display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who discovered the triceratops skeleton?
The fossil was discovered in 1993 near Lusk, Wyoming, by Lee Campbell and Allen Graffham.
Where was the triceratops skeleton displayed before the auction?
The skeleton was on loan to the Wyoming Dinosaur Centre in Thermopolis, Wyoming, from 1995 to 2023.
When will bidding for the triceratops skeleton start and end?
Bidding will be open from March 17 through March 31 on the Joopiter platform.
As the market for dinosaur fossils continues to evolve, what does the increasing commercialization of these prehistoric remains imply for scientific research and public access?
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