PARIS, Oct. 25 (BUS) – The world’s largest skeleton of a triceratops, known as “Big John”, sold for 6.6 million euros ($7.7 million) on Thursday to a private collector at an auction house in Paris.
The colossal skeleton, estimated to be over 66 million years old, was found in 2014 in South Dakota. Triceratops is known for its three horns on its head, Associated Press (AP) reports.
Big John, named after the owner of the land on which it was found, has been certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest documented skeleton of a triceratops. The dinosaur died on an ancient flood plain on the island continent stretching from present-day Alaska to Mexico, which allowed its skeleton to be preserved in the mud.
The skeleton is 7.15 meters (23 ft) long and 2.7 meters (8 ft) high at the hips. The skull accounts for more than a third of its total length, with two large horns over 1.1 meters (3.6 ft) long.
The price of the hammer at Drew’s auction house was 5.5 million euros before commission and other costs.
“It’s a record for Europe,” said auctioneer Alexandre Giquillo.
Big John’s skeleton is over 60% complete and his skull is over 75% complete, making it unique.
“The overall quality of Big John was really worth the price,” said Iacopo Briano, a paleontologist. “Triceratops and the Herbivore. “This is an incredible record,” he said.
Last year, the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex fetched nearly $32 million at an auction in New York, becoming the most expensive dinosaur ever sold.
Big John was sold to a private US buyer who requested anonymity.
“It was acquired by an American collector…very pleased with the idea of being able to bring in such a piece for his personal use,” said Dugwan Rivers, a representative of the buyer.
“The history behind it and its duration is very impressive. To be able to be a part of maintaining something like this… It’s also something very special,” Rivers added.
RAE