Dinosaur skeleton auctioned off for €3 million

The specimen is unusual because it is so complete: around 70% of the bones are present, and they were found aligned with each other, making it easier to reconnect them during the restoration process.

By REUTERS
An approximately 67 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, one of the largest, most complete ever discovered and named "STAN" after paleontologist Stan Sacrison who first found it, is seen on display ahead of its public auction at Christie's in New York City, New York, U.S., September 15, 2020 (photo credit: MIKE SEGAR / REUTERS)
An approximately 67 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, one of the largest, most complete ever discovered and named "STAN" after paleontologist Stan Sacrison who first found it, is seen on display ahead of its public auction at Christie's in New York City, New York, U.S., September 15, 2020
(photo credit: MIKE SEGAR / REUTERS)
The near-complete skeleton of a carnivorous dinosaur which roamed the earth around 150 million years ago was sold at a Paris auction house on Tuesday for €3 million ($3.52 million).

The skeleton of the Allosaurus dinosaur, dug up in the US state of Wyoming three years ago, went to an unnamed foreign buyer for well in excess of the €1 million starting price.

"This is a high grade specimen," said Iacopo Briano, a paleontologist who acted as a consultant to the Binoche et Giquello auction house which conducted the sale.

The specimen is unusual because it is so complete: around 70% of the bones are present, and they were found aligned with each other, making it easier to reconnect them during the restoration process.

The restored skeleton stands 3.5 meters (11 feet) high and 10 meters long. The ribcage bears the marks of what the auctioneers said may have been an attack by a rival Allosaurus or a predator. ($1 = €0.8516)


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