Rare dinosaur skeleton to be sold at auction
Rare 150 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Skeleton to be Auctioned in Paris
A remarkable discovery is making headlines - a 150-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, named "Barry," is set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction in Paris. This extraordinary specimen, a Camptosaurus, was originally unearthed in the 1990s in the arid terrains of Wyoming, United States, and owes its name to Barry James, the paleontologist who made this significant find.
Unprecedented Preservation
Experts are astounded by the exceptional state of preservation of this dinosaur skeleton. It is nearly complete, with over 80% of its bones intact, including a skull that is over 90% complete. Such levels of preservation are exceedingly rare in the world of paleontology.
Anticipated Valuation
When Barry hits the auction block, it is expected to command a substantial price, possibly reaching up to $1.2 million, which is nearly one million Pounds Sterling. This valuation underscores the immense significance and rarity of this ancient relic.
Insights from Alexandra Giquelo of Giacello Auction House, Paris
To delve deeper into this remarkable discovery, we are joined by Alexandra Giquelo from the Giacello Auction House in Paris.
Discovering Barry
Alexandra explains that Barry's discovery followed a typical pattern in Wyoming's dry, fossil-rich landscapes. However, the real challenge lies in meticulously reconstructing the dinosaur's remains, considering they date back 150 million years. This painstaking restoration process is an integral aspect of preserving and presenting such fossils.
Challenges in Fossil Restoration
As Alexandra elaborates, the age of these fossils complicates matters, as they are often fragmented and weathered over millennia. Recreating a dinosaur from such remnants is an arduous and time-consuming endeavor.
Buyers and Their Motivations
Regarding the eventual buyer of Barry, Alexandra shares insights. These unique finds often attract individuals with a passion for paleontology and, more often than not, substantial financial means. Unlike traditional collectors, these buyers are often patrons of scientific research. Previous notable dinosaur skeletons, like Big Sarah and Big John, eventually found homes in public institutions rather than private collections.
Barry's Potential Value
Alexandra refrains from speculating on the final price that Barry might fetch at auction, but she hints at the possibility of it surpassing the one-million-dollar mark.
A Promising Future for Barry
In closing, there is hope that Barry, once acquired, will find a new home in a public institution where it can continue to enrich our understanding of prehistoric life.
In Conclusion
So, if you happen to have a spare couple of million or even one million, why not consider becoming the proud owner of Barry, a piece of Earth's ancient history waiting to tell its story to future generations.
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