I Wanna’ Talk to Samson!
Ever wanted to own your own dinosaur? While you may have missed your chance this go round, you can start saving your pennies for the next.
Samson is 66 million years old and is one of the most complete skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus rex in existence. On October 3, 2009 Samson, along with several other near complete skeletons, went up for through Bonhams auction house in a special event hosted at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Samson the T-rex. Courtesy of Bonhams
Given the rarity of Samson, it is interesting to note several disclaimers given on Bonhams’ website.
READ THE FINE PRINT!
“Notice Regarding Certain Rights in the ‘Samson’ Lot:
The purchaser of Lot 23 will acquire full ownership rights in the skull and in the other original fossilized bones comprising the “Samson” specimen, as well as in the cast of “Samson’s” skull included in the lot, including all rights to make reproductions of and other copyrights in “Samson’s” original fossilized bones.
With respect to the cast reproduction elements incorporated into the specimen (excluding the cast of “Samson’s” skull described above), which cast reproduction elements are hereinafter referred to as the “Cast Elements”, the purchaser of Lot 23 will acquire ownership rights in such Cast Elements and a fully paid up, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable license to publicly display such Cast Elements as part of the “Samson” specimen as well as photographic and resale rights therein; however, the purchaser (and any successor) is not acquiring the right to, and may not, recast (reproduce) the Cast Elements or otherwise create derivative works of the Cast Elements in whole or in part, as such rights are reserved by the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc. Cast Elements Copyright (c) BHIGR 1995-2005. All rights reserved.” – Bonhams.com
On the surface, this disclaimer tells me that Samson generates revenues from the reproduced cast of his skeleton on display in museums. I wonder how much you can actually make and whether the multimillion dollar price tag is justifiable at all? While Samson did not meet the reserve requirement, in excess of the $3.6 million high bid, experts speculate Samson will be privately sold in the coming weeks.
Some other interesting specimens sold at this auction are displayed below. For a complete list of lots offered at this auction and more, check out Bonhams website and search for Natural History featuring the Tyrannosaurus rex ‘Samson’ at The Venetian® (3 Oct 2009 starting at 13:00).
Woolly Mammoth $97,600. Courtesy of Bonhams.
Duck Billed Dinosaur $458,000. Courtesy of Bonhams
Einiosaurus' $440,000. Courtesy of Bonhams
Bonhams is a premier auctioneer in todays niche markets. Bonhams holds auctions for wine, art, fossils, arms & armor, coins, mineral specimens and much more.
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