A $22 Million Dinosaur¹ Auction² Like No Other

The world’s largest and most complete Apatosaurus skeleton captivates Paris and is set to shatter auction records on November 16th.

Once a lavish³ retreat for the French monarchy⁴, it now hosts a very different kind of ruler—"Vulcain," the largest Apatosaurus skeleton ever unearthed⁵. As the world waits with bated breath for its upcoming auction on November 16th, this prehistoric⁶ colossus has already captured the imagination of over 40,000 visitors, turning the sleepy village of Dampierre into a hub for paleontology enthusiasts⁷ and auction aficionados⁸ alike.

Discovered in the sun-soaked plains of Wyoming in 2018, Vulcain is not just another dinosaur skeleton—it’s a rare, historic specimen⁹ from the Late Jurassic Period. Stretching a colossal¹⁰ 67.25 feet long, the Apatosaurus boasts approximately 80% of its original bones, making it the most complete dinosaur skeleton ever to go under the hammer. In a world where even museum-quality displays often require multiple specimens¹¹, this skeleton’s near-perfect preservation¹² makes it a once-in-a-lifetime find.



Since its debut¹³ at the Château¹⁴ de Dampierre on July 13th, the exhibition has drawn¹⁵ an unprecedented¹⁶ number of visitors, increasing attendance at the château fivefold. Locals and tourists alike have flocked to see "La Bête de Dampierre," as the French have affectionately dubbed¹⁷ Vulcain. And it's not just the public that's enamored—paleontologists and auction houses around the world are abuzz with speculation¹⁸ on where this ancient wonder will call home next.