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Stegosaurus
U.S. private land + docsMorrison icon. Commercial pieces are usually plates, spikes, or bone — not complete skeletons. Price “ranges” that quote auction records for mounts mislead tooth buyers.
Sample photoPeriod
Late Jurassic
Age
155–145 mya
Formation
Morrison
Diet
Herbivore
Common fossils
Plates, spikes, bones
Price context
Plates, spikes, isolated bones, and composite mounts require separate comparisons
Price bands are educational market context for common grades — not an appraisal, quote, or investment forecast.
Collecting status
U.S. private land + docs. Always confirm landowner release or export path, chain of custody, and that the specimen was not collected from forbidden public land. U.S. federal vertebrates under PRPA are not commercial inventory.
Open related fossil-law guide →Trade notes
Separate educational price bands for spikes/plates vs full mounts. Demand plaster % on display pieces.
How to evaluate this taxon
A visually complete plate or tail spike may include substantial filler, so surface area is not the same as original fossil percentage. Ask for preparation photographs, a restoration map, dimensions, weight, and support details. Never use a record skeleton sale as a shortcut for valuing an isolated or heavily reconstructed element.
Fake-watch for this taxon
- — Heavy reconstruction sold as original plate
- — Painted plaster seams
Documents to demand
- — Land type
- — Prep / plaster map
- — Chain of custody
Research sources and limits
Taxonomy and age context are checked against museum or government references. Buyer guidance is Jurassic Depot editorial analysis, not a specimen identification, authentication, appraisal, or legal opinion. A taxon page cannot establish the identity or lawful title of an item offered for sale.
- Natural History Museum — Stegosaurus directory entry
- National Park Service — fossil protection
- Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (official PDF)
Editorial review: August 1, 2026. Scientific classifications and laws can change; use the linked source and transaction-specific professional advice.
On Jurassic Depot
Fossil laws by countryU.S. fossil lawsProvenance guideFossil laws briefingHow to buy fossils legally
Outside sources (educational)
Primary society and government pages — not Jurassic Depot. Open these when you need statute or agency language, not a marketplace summary.