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Near-complete skeleton of dinosaur that roamed the earth around 150 million years ago sold in auction. Guess how much it is worth?

The specimen is unusual because it is so complete: around 70 percent of the bones are present, and they were found aligned with each other, making it easier to reconnect them during the restoration process.

Updated on: Oct 14, 2020, 09:37:36 IST
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The near-complete skeleton of a carnivorous dinosaur which roamed the earth around 150 million years ago was sold at a Paris auction house on Tuesday for 3 million euros ($3.52 million).

Visitors look at the skeleton of an Allosaurus. (REUTERS)
Visitors look at the skeleton of an Allosaurus. (REUTERS)

The skeleton of the Allosaurus dinosaur, dug up in the U.S. state of Wyoming three years ago, went to an unnamed foreign buyer for well in excess of the 1 million euro starting price.

“This is a high grade specimen,” said Iacopo Briano, a palaeontologist who acted as a consultant to the Binoche et Giquello auction house which conducted the sale.

Visitors look at the skeleton of an Allosaurus living in Wyoming more than 150 million years. (REUTERS)
Visitors look at the skeleton of an Allosaurus living in Wyoming more than 150 million years. (REUTERS)

The specimen is unusual because it is so complete: around 70 percent of the bones are present, and they were found aligned with each other, making it easier to reconnect them during the restoration process.

Skeleton of an Allosaurus displayed at Drouot auction house in Paris, France. (REUTERS)
Skeleton of an Allosaurus displayed at Drouot auction house in Paris, France. (REUTERS)

The restored skeleton stands 3.5 metres (11 feet) high and 10 metres long. The ribcage bears the marks of what the auctioneers said may have been an attack by a rival Allosaurus or a predator.

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