✦ Frequently Asked Questions
You have more questions?
How many fossils are prepared worldwide each year?
Across the globe, only 100 to 150 large fossil specimens – including skeletons, skulls, and major vertebrate remains – are brought to light and carefully prepared each year. Of these, fewer than 10% achieve the level of preservation, completeness, and integrity required for museum display.
What if I dream of a species you don't offer?
We can only commit to doing our best to find it for you. Since no one can predict which specimens will be unearthed, or on sale from a private collector, in the coming years, we are unable to make any promises.
What determines the value of a dinosaur fossil?
The value of a dinosaur fossil is shaped by a combination of scientific, historical, and aesthetic factors. The rarity and identity of the species, the completeness of the specimen – the more complete the skeleton, the higher its value – and its state of preservation, all play critical roles.
Fossils from renowned regions such as Montana, Wyoming, or the Hell Creek Formation in the U.S. or those that have contributed to scientific research, hold even greater significance.
What can the rarity of an authentic dinosaur skeleton be compared to?
Owning an authentic dinosaur fossil is less like acquiring a Picasso and more like possessing a painting by Leonardo da Vinci – a masterpiece of exceptional rarity, steeped in history, and utterly irreplaceable.
The scarcity of a genuine dinosaur skeleton truly defies comparison. Each one is the result of a geological miracle – formed over tens of millions of years and revealed through a rare combination of scientific expertise, patience, relentless effort, and a measure of luck.
While Pablo Picasso produced over 50,000 works in his lifetime, fewer than forty relatively complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons have ever been unearthed. At any given time, no more than ten museum-grade specimens are available on the global private market. As interest continues to grow among collectors, institutions, and alternative investors, both the rarity and cultural significance of these specimens rise accordingly.
How can you offer specimens before they reach the public market?
It all comes down to trust, fair compensation, and respect for the work of diggers, preparators, and buyers. At Simoneko, we believe this is the only way to build lasting relationships.
Do you work with museums and institutions?
Absolutely – the specimens we offer meet museum-quality standards. Whether you are a private collector or a public institution, we tailor our approach to your specific needs.
I bought in pre-market, can I visit my fossil during preparation?
Not only can you visit – we strongly encourage it. Witnessing your “giant” emerge from stone and meeting those who made it possible is, for many collectors, a unique, emotional – and truly unforgettable – experience that can be recorded.
Do you help collectors sell their specimens?
At Simoneko, we understand that collecting is a journey and sometimes, that journey includes letting go. Whether you’re refining your collection or passing on a piece, we’re here to help.
We assist collectors in reselling their fossils through trusted, discrete channels. From expert valuation and provenance review to connecting with qualified buyers, we ensure the process is seamless, secure, and respectful of your privacy.
Let your fossil’s story continue with the same care it began.