A 150 million-year-old Apatosaurus skeleton, nicknamed Vulcan, recently broke a record at an auction in France. This prehistoric giant, measuring 21 meters long and weighing more than 22 tonnes, was acquired for the impressive sum of 6 million euros. This sale, which took place on November 16, 2024 in the enchanting setting of the Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, places this dinosaur among the most spectacular and expensive fossils ever sold.
An exceptional fossil of colossal dimensions
Vulcan is a rare and valuable specimen of Apatosaurus, a herbivorous dinosaur that lived in North America during the late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago. Very close to the famous Brontosaureit is distinguished by its long neck and massive tail which are characteristic of sauropods. The skeleton, composed of 300 osis impressive due to its state of conservation: around 80% of the bones are original. This is an unusual percentage for fossils of this size and age.
Exhumed between 2018 and 2021 at an anonymous site in Wyoming by private collectors, Vulcan represents a fascinating testimony to prehistoric fauna. With its imposing dimensions, it is now officially largest dinosaur ever put up for auction.
A world record and promises for science
The sale of Vulcain, orchestrated by auction houses Barbarossa and Collin du Bocagehas attracted the attention of paleontology enthusiasts and private collectors. Ultimately, it was an anonymous bidder who won the auction for 6 million eurossetting a record for a dinosaur of this size.
Despite this private acquisition, the new owner assured that Vulcain would be soon exposed to the public in an as yet undisclosed institution. He also hast promised to grant scientific access to the skeletonallowing researchers to study this remarkable fossil and advance our understanding of sauropods and their evolution.
Dinosaur fossils: a costly treasure hunt
With this sale price, Vulcan joins the restricted circle of dinosaur fossils that have reached astronomical sums at auction. Although it is not the most expensive fossil, it ranks among the most prestigious specimens.
Recent records include Big Johnthe largest Triceratops ever discovered, sold for $7.7 million in 2021, or a Gorgosaurus and a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, both sold for around $6.1 million. However, Vulcan remains far from the heights reached by iconic fossils like Stana T. rex sold for $31.8 million in 2020, or Apexa stegosaurus purchased for the incredible sum of $44.6 million.
This frenzy for fossils reflects a growing interest in the treasures of natural history. While these auctions highlight unique specimens, they also spark debates about the place of fossils in private collections, sometimes to the detriment of public research.
Related News :