Dinosaur fossils and bones

Dinosaur fossils and bones provide a direct link to prehistoric life, shaped over millions of years by natural processes. Ranging from individual bones to larger skeletal elements, the differences in preservation, mineralisation and texture give each piece its own distinct character. Certain forms are more commonly encountered: dinosaur teeth, for instance, are relatively abundant, as large carnivorous species regularly shed them, while their enamel aids preservation. Fossilised eggs also survive, though attributing them to a specific species often involves informed speculation, as they are rarely found alongside the animals that produced them.

Dinosaur fossils sold at Christie's include the record-breaking US$31.8 million STAN the T. rex in 2020, a rare Deinonychus in 2022, and the 2024 Jurassic Icons auction, where Allosaurus and Stegosaurus fossils achieved a combined £12.4 million.

THE LEG BONE OF AN ENGLISH DINOSAUR

ISLE OF WIGHT

An English Dinosaur Bone

WESSEX FORMATION, EAST SUSSEX

A SCULPTURAL BLOCK OF FOSSIL DINOSAUR BONES

LUCK, WYOMING; USA.

A FOSSILIZED DINOSAUR BONE AND DIAMOND RING, BY MONIQUE PÉAN