Big John, the Dinosaur Who Could Be Sold for a Small Fortune
Picture this: a 66‑million‑year‑old triceratops skeleton, partially whole, sitting on a pedestal in a Paris auction house and potentially raking in up to €1.5 million (about SG$2.4 million) for the lucky buyer. That’s no small change—only a handful of people worldwide are actually looking to splurge on a fossilized giant.
What Makes Big John a Big Deal
- Age & Scale: Big John strutted the plains of what is now South Dakota over 66 million years ago. His skull alone is a whopping 8.5 feet long—about a third of his massive body.
- Nearly Complete Bones: Since 2014, paleontologists have pieced together roughly 60% of his skeleton, including a most‑almost‑complete skull we’re now showing off.
- A Battle Scar You Won’t Forget: One of his frills has a huge gap—a kind of “tuffed‑tuffed” injury from a smaller dinosaur opponent, according to Dr. Iacopo Briano.
Market Predictions: A Tiny Bubble of Buyers
Alexandre Giquello, the man leading the auction, estimates that only about 10 private collectors might be willing to dive into the deep waters of dinosaur ownership. The Drouot auction house has pegged the skeleton’s value between €1.2 million and €1.5 million—pretty steep hat tip for a prehistoric beast.
The Naming Story: Why “Big John”!
When the hunt began on a private ranch, the ranch owner discovered over 200 bones. In honor of that discovery, the skeleton was dubbed “Big John.” A bite of history, a pinch of whimsy—dinosaur naming is often a blend of science and storytelling.
Remember: dinosaur fossils have traditionally found their home in museums, but the world’s private collectors are getting restless. For those with both the stomach and the bank balance, Big John’s skull and bones could soon light up a table in Paris.
