Triceratops Skeleton ‘Trey’ Heads to Auction with $5.5 Million Estimate

A remarkably complete Triceratops skeleton, nicknamed “Trey,” is set to be auctioned off later this month, a rare event for a fossil that spent decades on public display. The auction, hosted by Joopiter, an online platform founded by Pharrell Williams, will take place from March 17 to March 31, with a pre-auction estimate of $4.5 million to $5.5 million.

A Museum Favorite Goes to Auction

Trey was first excavated in 1993 near Lusk, Wyoming, by paleontologist Allen Graffham and his partner Lee Campbell. The 17-foot-long herbivore greeted visitors at the grand opening of the Wyoming Dinosaur Centre in Thermopolis in 1995 and remained on loan there until 2023. The fossil is currently in Singapore and available for private viewings through the conclude of March, according to Joopiter.

Exceptional Completeness and Scientific Value

Paleontologist Andre LuJan, consulting on the sale, highlighted Trey’s “exceptional completeness” and its significance beyond mere aesthetics. LuJan emphasized that the fossil has played a role in advancing scientific study, noting that paleontology relies on specimens as data points for understanding extinct species. He also pointed out the cultural impact of Trey, having inspired countless visitors, including potentially future paleontologists, during its time at the Wyoming Dinosaur Centre.

The Rising Dinosaur Fossil Market

The sale of Trey reflects a booming market for dinosaur fossils, which have increasingly become attractive investments. This auction marks Joopiter’s first foray into the fossil market, signaling a potential expansion into new collectible categories. The fossil was discovered at the Lance Formation, a site known for yielding remains of Tyrannosaurus Rex and Edmontosaurus, in addition to Triceratops.

About Joopiter

Joopiter is a digital-first commerce and content platform founded by Grammy-winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams. The platform focuses on rare and collectible items. The auction of Trey is accompanied by a special merchandise capsule created in collaboration with Co-Museum.