The auction of “Vulcain,” the most complete dinosaur skeleton ever to be put on sale, has generated widespread excitement among paleontologists, collectors, and dinosaur enthusiasts.
Scheduled for November 16 in Paris, this exceptional specimen, a massive Apatosaurus discovered in Wyoming in 2018, is expected to fetch a record price of between USD 11 to USD 22 million. This discovery brings renewed fascination with dinosaurs and adds a new chapter to the field of paleontology
Vulcain: Most Complete Dinosaur Skeleton
The Apatosaurus skeleton, named “Vulcain” after the Roman god of fire, represents one of the most significant finds in recent paleontological history. Discovered in the fossil-rich soils of Wyoming’s Morrison Formation, the specimen is approximately 80 percent complete, with most bones belonging to a single individual dinosaur.
This completeness is what sets Vulcain apart from other Apatosaurus skeletons, which are often assembled from the bones of several different specimens. It also includes rare elements like part of the skull and gastralia (or “belly ribs”), which are typically absent from other known Apatosaurus skeletons.
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During its study, paleontologists noted that Vulcain has features common to both Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus. According to analysis by paleontologist Christian Foth from Germany’s University of Rostock, the dinosaur exhibits characteristics akin to Apatosaurus ajax and Apatosaurus louisae, suggesting it might even represent an intermediate species.
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The classification as a sauropod, known for their herbivorous diets and massive necks, places Vulcain among a group of dinosaurs that roamed the Earth around 150 million years ago.
Record-Breaking Auctions: A Rising Market for Fossil Sales
The global market for dinosaur skeletons has experienced a sharp increase, fueled by both public and private interest in paleontological finds. Since the sale of T-Rex “Sue” for USD 8.4 million in 1997, prices for dinosaur fossils have continued to climb.
Earlier this year, the sale of the Apex Stegosaurus for USD 44.6 million set a new benchmark. With Vulcain’s auction expected to reach USD 22 million, it could join the ranks of the most valuable fossils ever sold.
The French auction houses Collin du Bocage and Barbarossa, hosting the sale, report that interest has surged since pre-registration began in July. Founder Olivier Collin du Bocage describes Vulcain as “the ancient find of a lifetime.” The specimen’s sheer size—20.5 meters in length—and completeness make it a prized acquisition.
Whoever wins the bid will have the opportunity to rename the dinosaur and receive an extensive documentation package, including excavation records, GPS coordinates, and an osteological map. These details not only enhance the skeleton’s historical value but also ensure the preservation of knowledge regarding its original discovery and excavation site.
One unique factor in the fossil auction scene is the blending of art and science, where dinosaur skeletons are viewed as both natural marvels and works of art.
Museums, scientific institutions, and wealthy collectors alike have been known to bid on such rare finds, making the auction of Vulcain an event that combines elements of natural history with the dynamics of art and cultural preservation. With the recent auction exhibition attracting over 40,000 visitors at Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, interest in this specimen is at an all-time high.
Scientific Significance and the Future of Vulcain
Beyond its potential value at auction, Vulcain holds substantial scientific significance. The specimen provides insight into the diversity and evolution of Apatosaurus and other sauropods from the Late Jurassic period.
Apatosaurus, a member of the Diplodocidae family, had long, whip-like tails and robust bodies supported by strong, pillar-like legs, making them some of the largest land animals that ever lived. Vulcain’s distinctive features, as observed by researchers, contribute to ongoing debates about species differentiation within the Apatosaurus genus.
As scientific and public interest in dinosaurs continues to grow, the auction of specimens like Vulcain raises important questions about the accessibility of scientific materials. While museums may hold iconic dinosaurs for public viewing, private sales like these are a double-edged sword; they provide essential funding for continued paleontological research but also place priceless fossils in the hands of private individuals.
This can limit researchers’ access to specimens for future study. However, the inclusion of detailed excavation and anatomical records with Vulcain helps preserve its scientific integrity even if it ends up in private hands.
The potential impact of this auction on paleontology is twofold. Not only does it create avenues for funding through high-profile fossil sales, but it also underscores the importance of collaboration between private collectors and the scientific community. The newfound excitement surrounding Vulcain and its sale is anticipated to inspire future excavations and foster a greater appreciation for paleontology worldwide.
As the clock ticks down to the auction, where Vulcain will ultimately find a home remains a mystery. Whether displayed in a museum or a private collection, its impact on both science and culture is undeniable.
The sale of Vulcain serves as a reminder of the lasting legacy of dinosaurs, bringing the distant past to life for audiences around the world and preserving a moment of ancient history that transcends generations.
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