Should Fossils Be for Sale?

Fossils should NOT be for sale.

Many scientists are opposed to auctioning off fossils to the highest bidder. They say it is unfair. That’s because, unlike wealthy collectors, most museums don’t have millions of dollars to pay for a fossil.

There are a limited number of fossils available for research. When dinosaur bones go to a museum, scientists can study them. Plus, for most people, going to a museum is their only chance to see a fossil. But that can’t happen when remains sit in a collector’s home. Some scientists say that’s a shame because fossils can help us better understand the past.

Fossils should NOT be for sale.

Many scientists are opposed to auctioning off fossils to the highest bidder. They say it is unfair. That’s because, unlike wealthy collectors, most museums don’t have millions of dollars to pay for a fossil.

A limited number of fossils are available for research. When dinosaur bones go to a museum, scientists can study them. Plus, a museum is the only place many people get to see a fossil. But that can’t happen when remains sit in a collector’s home. Some scientists say that’s a shame. They say fossils can help us better understand the past.

“These dinosaur fossils contain important information,” says Thomas Carr, a paleontologist at Carthage College in Wisconsin. “Once we lose a fossil to a private collector, it’s like losing a part of our memory permanently—it never comes back.”

Others say the United States should follow the example of places like Alberta, Canada, which has some of the strictest fossil protection laws in the world. Only professional paleontologists are permitted to dig up fossils there.

“These dinosaur fossils contain important information,” says Thomas Carr. He is a paleontologist at Carthage College in Wisconsin. “Once we lose a fossil to a private collector, it’s like losing a part of our memory permanently. It never comes back.”

Others say the United States should follow the example of places like Alberta, Canada. It has some of the strictest fossil protection laws in the world. Only professional paleontologists are permitted to dig up fossils there.

Fossils SHOULD be for sale.

Some people argue that without fossil hunters, most rare dinosaur bones and skeletons would never be excavated. That’s because many museums and universities don’t have the funding needed to search for dinosaur fossils.  

“I’m finding things that probably wouldn’t have been found any other way,” says Craig Pfister. He owns Great Plains Paleontology, a fossil-finding company. “If a fossil is never found and just erodes, everyone loses.”

Fossils SHOULD be for sale.

Some people argue that without fossil hunters, most rare dinosaur bones and skeletons would never be excavated. Why? Many museums and universities don’t have the funding needed to search for dinosaur fossils.  

“I’m finding things that probably wouldn’t have been found any other way,” says Craig Pfister. He owns a fossil-finding company called Great Plains Paleontology. “If a fossil is never found and just erodes, everyone loses.”

Others point out that, according to United States law, fossils found on private property belong to whoever owns the land. Landowners have the right to allow companies to search and dig on their property. So why shouldn’t these companies then be allowed to sell the fossils to make money for themselves and the landowners? 

Plus, Pfister says, the fossils he sells to private buyers often wind up in the hands of researchers anyway. 

“My experience is that most people donate them to museums,” he explains.

Others point out that, according to United States law, fossils found on private property belong to whoever owns the land. Landowners have the right to allow companies to search and dig on their property. So why shouldn’t these companies then be allowed to sell the fossils? That way, they make money for themselves and the landowners. 

Plus, Pfister says, the fossils he sells to private buyers often wind up in the hands of researchers anyway. 

“My experience is that most people donate them to museums,” he explains.