Nature & Environment
Montana's Dueling Dinosaurs May Fetch $9 Million at Auction [VIDEO]
Benita Matilda
First Posted: Aug 01, 2013 09:08 AM EDT
The two virtually complete dinosaurs that were discovered fossilized together in 2006 at Hell Creek, Montana, will be auctioned on November 19 by Bonhams, at an estimated $7 million - $9 million.
The pair of fossilized dinosaurs dubbed as 'Montana Dueling Dinosaurs' that the experts suspect belong to the Cretaceous era, were identified as close relatives of Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. The pair is believed to be never-before-seen species of dinosaurs. These extraordinary fossils were discovered by Clayton Phipps who invested over $25,000 in the excavation alone.
The fossilized dinosaurs that were discovered locked together perfectly depict the death match of a predator and prey. They were identified as Nanotyrannus lancensis, a small pygmy T-rex, and a new species Chasmosaurine ceratopsian, close relative of Triceratops. The specimens measure eight feet high and between 25-35 feet long. Within the skull of the Chasmosaurine are visible the teeth of Nanotyrannus. And the chest of the Nanotyrannus is crushed. It seems that the pair was buried immediately after a deadly struggle, reports Bonhams.
Thomas Carr, the senior scientific adviser at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum and director of the Carthage Institute of Paleontology in Wisconsin was quoted in UPI stating, "The private sale of the fossils 'lines' the seller's pockets 'but hurts science' because it will keep the skeletons from being studied further."
This pair of fossilized dinosaurs, a carnivore and a herbivore, could hold important clues that will answer the most puzzling questions for paleontologists. These dinosaurs also have the rarely preserved soft tissue, giving scientists an opportunity for cellular research. Currently, the paleontologists are arguing whether Nanotyrannus' are their own genus or whether they are juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rexes.
Since this extraordinary fossil was discovered on a private property it does not go to the government unlike in some other countries. In China, the government has rights over any fossil discovered.
Museums can bid for the pair if they want but it is highly unlikely due to the price tag. If it is auctioned off to a private bidder than it may not be available for scientific study.
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First Posted: Aug 01, 2013 09:08 AM EDT
The two virtually complete dinosaurs that were discovered fossilized together in 2006 at Hell Creek, Montana, will be auctioned on November 19 by Bonhams, at an estimated $7 million - $9 million.
The pair of fossilized dinosaurs dubbed as 'Montana Dueling Dinosaurs' that the experts suspect belong to the Cretaceous era, were identified as close relatives of Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. The pair is believed to be never-before-seen species of dinosaurs. These extraordinary fossils were discovered by Clayton Phipps who invested over $25,000 in the excavation alone.
The fossilized dinosaurs that were discovered locked together perfectly depict the death match of a predator and prey. They were identified as Nanotyrannus lancensis, a small pygmy T-rex, and a new species Chasmosaurine ceratopsian, close relative of Triceratops. The specimens measure eight feet high and between 25-35 feet long. Within the skull of the Chasmosaurine are visible the teeth of Nanotyrannus. And the chest of the Nanotyrannus is crushed. It seems that the pair was buried immediately after a deadly struggle, reports Bonhams.
Thomas Carr, the senior scientific adviser at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum and director of the Carthage Institute of Paleontology in Wisconsin was quoted in UPI stating, "The private sale of the fossils 'lines' the seller's pockets 'but hurts science' because it will keep the skeletons from being studied further."
This pair of fossilized dinosaurs, a carnivore and a herbivore, could hold important clues that will answer the most puzzling questions for paleontologists. These dinosaurs also have the rarely preserved soft tissue, giving scientists an opportunity for cellular research. Currently, the paleontologists are arguing whether Nanotyrannus' are their own genus or whether they are juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rexes.
Since this extraordinary fossil was discovered on a private property it does not go to the government unlike in some other countries. In China, the government has rights over any fossil discovered.
Museums can bid for the pair if they want but it is highly unlikely due to the price tag. If it is auctioned off to a private bidder than it may not be available for scientific study.
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone