Ready to bring the allure of the Jurassic era to your home? Be prepared for the risks. 🦖
Nicolas Cage reportedly was among the collectors of Tarbosaurus bataar who gave up their fossils after Mongolian paleontologist Bolortsetseg Minjin reminded authorities in 2012 that all Mongolian fossils are the property of that state—and all known T. bataars have been unearthed in Mongolia. spoke with Bolortsetseg in May, she was waiting to receive “about 20” illegally collected Mongolian dinosaurs, including the skull purportedly owned by Cage, from Homeland Security.
Fossil-export laws differ widely. In the United States and many European countries, specimens found on private land are the property of the landowner and can be sold or exported at will. China has had an export ban since 2004. Canada restricts trade even between provinces, says Peter Larson, president of theWhether individuals should be allowed to sequester parts of what some consider to be our communal heritage is a live issue. The U.S.
Pitfalls remain, even with perfect paperwork. As prices rise, so does the likelihood of litigation. How can you tell how much of that skeleton in the auction showroom is cretaceous and how much is 3-D printed? “If they say there’s no restoration, that’s possible but unlikely,” Larson says. “You can check restoration with ultraviolet light or X-ray.”
In November, Christie’s withdrew a T. rex scheduled for sale in Hong Kong after Larson identified it as being largely a replica of Stan. Prices have wobbled since. A T. rex skull that crossed the block at Sotheby’s in December with an estimate of $15 million to $20 million. Whether this blip will develop into a more serious loss of confidence remains to be seen.
Auction houses have more sales scheduled, including at Giquello, which will hold a Jurassic Park–themed event in October as well as an Ice Age–specimen sale in spring 2024. With prices having lost a bit of froth, now might be a good time to place a judicious bid.
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