The world of dinosaur ownership is about to get a whole lot more interesting as fractional investments in dinosaur fossils become increasingly lucrative, with investors now able to purchase shares in a stegosaurus skeleton.
A New Era in Dinosaur Ownership: The Rise of Fractional Investments
The world of dinosaur fossils is becoming increasingly lucrative, with investors now able to purchase shares in a stegosaurus skeleton. This latest development marks a significant shift in the market, as fractional ownership becomes more prevalent.
The Market for Dinosaur Fossils
In recent years, the value of dinosaur fossils has skyrocketed, with some specimens selling for millions of dollars at auction. According to Rob Petrozzo, co-founder and chief product officer of Rally, a fractional investment platform, this growth can be attributed to an increase in demand from private collectors and investors.
The rarity and historical significance of these fossils make them highly sought after, with buyers willing to pay top dollar for the chance to own a piece of prehistory. This trend has been exemplified by high-profile sales, such as Ken Griffin’s purchase of a stegosaurus named “Apex” for $44.6 million.
The Role of Rally in the Market
Rally is at the forefront of this emerging market, offering investors the chance to buy shares in dinosaur fossils. The company has previously sold fractional ownership in assets such as triceratops skulls and rare cars, but its latest venture marks a significant milestone: the sale of a full stegosaurus skeleton.
The platform’s decision to offer shares in the “BCQ 24” stegosaurus was motivated by the discovery of the fossil at Bone Cabin Quarry in Wyoming. Rally had the opportunity to purchase the fossil earlier this year, and after negotiating a price, it decided to take on the challenge.
What’s in It for Investors?
Investors who purchase shares in the “BCQ 24” stegosaurus will receive regular updates on the excavation process, including photos, videos, and a bone map showcasing newly discovered pieces. They will also have the opportunity to vote on a new name for the fossil, which is currently nicknamed “BCQ 24.”
The potential for profit is significant, with Petrozzo predicting that the stegosaurus could sell for an eight-figure sum in the next 18 to 24 months. While this may not rival the sale of Griffin’s Apex, it represents a major opportunity for investors who are willing to take on the risk.
A New Era in Dinosaur Ownership
The rise of fractional investments in dinosaur fossils marks a new era in the market. As the demand for these assets continues to grow, we can expect to see more companies like Rally emerging to cater to this demand.
However, this trend has also raised concerns among some paleontologists and academics, who worry that the increased value of fossil specimens may price academia out of major acquisitions. It remains to be seen how this will play out in the coming years, but one thing is certain: the world of dinosaur ownership is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
The surging prices associated with rare dinosaurs have raised concerns among paleontologists and academics, who worry that heightened demand for private ownership has priced academia out of major fossil acquisitions. In some cases, buyers have displayed their Jurassic treasures to the public—Griffin’s stegosaurus, for example, is currently on loan at the American Museum of Natural History.
Rally’s stegosaurus will be the first time the company will offer up investments in a full dinosaur skeleton. Having experimented with assets ranging from baseball cards to rare cars, the firm is also looking to expand into “intangible assets,” according to Petrozzo, who has his eye on fractionalized sports team ownership.
A Chance for Real Bidding War
Petrozzo predicted that there could be a real bidding war over the stegosaurus. While Rally’s fossil is smaller than Apex, the quality of its bones matches or exceeds those of Griffin’s specimen, making it an attractive option for investors.
The eventual sale of the “BCQ 24” stegosaurus could set a new benchmark for the market, and Rally is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. With its expertise in fractional investments and its commitment to transparency, the company is poised to become a major player in the world of dinosaur ownership.
