Now, more than 60 million years since the tragic extinction of dinosaurs, they are experiencing a second ‘life,’ not in jungles but in auction houses, world-renowned exhibit halls like the Smithsonian, and blockbuster cinemas across the globe. Commercially valuable dinosaur fossils are now more than just cinematic wonders.
Considered to be the fiercest creature to have ever roamed the planet, the price of a single individual T-Rex skull is estimated to be around 20 to 30 million dollars, with The Art Newspaper claiming the price can surpass 110 million dollars. Despite and in light of the paleontological community’s horror and fascination, reality baffles monetary limits, especially where art, science, and collectibles meet.
Most jaw-dropping fossil sale was Apex, stegosaurus fossil which was sold for 44.6 million making it the most expensive fossil ever sold. Now proudly in boastful collection of Kenneth Griffin who promptly lent it to The American Museum of Natural History ─ a savvy billionaire fused philanthropy with prestige.
In the middle east Abu Dhabi attracted attention when it bought a T-Rex named Stan for over $30 million, marking him the centerpiece of its upcoming natural history museum, exemplifying that even governments are investing into prehistoric wonders.
In an era where ancient fossils are being sold at outrageous prices, they are regarded not merely as remnants of history but rather invaluable treasures, vanishing landmarks of civilization.
