Call him ‘Big John’ – the world’s largest triceratops skeleton has recently sold at an auction for $10.2 million AUD.
The fossilised remains broke European records, collecting a hefty €66m ($10.2m) when placed under the hammer.
The skeleton was located in 2014 on modern-day South Dekota land, which is where the creature would have roamed some 66 million years ago.
A private collector from the US is now the official owner of Big John, after the fossil was displayed publicly at the Drouot Auction House in Paris.
Djuan Rivers, a representative of the anonymous buyer, has said the collector is “absolutely thrilled with the idea of being able to bring a piece like this to his personal use.”
The triceratops is known for its huge, collared skull and three horns, making it one of the most identifiable of the Cretaceous period.
The Big John skeleton includes the 2 metre wide skull, making it an incredible historic find. The whole structure stands 3 meters high and 8 meters in length.
The world’s biggest Triceratops fossil ever found, a 66-million-year-old skeleton affectionately dubbed “Big John,” has sold for €6.6 million ($7.7 million) — smashing its high auction estimate of €1.5 million ($1.7 million). https://t.co/PSpQe6dqD1
— CNN (@CNN) October 21, 2021
The palaeontologist responsible for the discovery was able to extract 60 per cent of Big Johns giant skeleton. The entire piece is made up of 200 bones that were meticulously assembled by a specialist in Italy.
Assembling researchers identified signs of skull damage likely caused by a battle with another prehistoric creature.
Big John was buried in mud on an ancient floodplain, which ultimately preserved the skeleton for millions of years.
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It is becoming more and more common for dinosaur fossils to be purchased by private buyers.
Due to an increase in demand, the price of rare fossils has inflated dramatically. Most museums are not in a financial position to follow through with purchases.
A near complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil was sold last year for a world record price of $31.8m.
We hope Big John sits tall and proud in the living room of his new owner.
