For $US100,000 ($134,149), Hammacher Schlemmer will sell you a life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, but for $US2.39 million ($3.2 million) Theropod Expeditions will sell you the real thing — or at least 45 per cent of one. With 135 of its 300 bones being genuine fossils collected in Montana and Wyoming, it’s more complete than many T-rex skeletons on display in museums.
But before you throw your hands up and assume you can’t afford the multi-million dollar price tag, you should instead think of this T-rex as an investment opportunity, not just a collectible. Instead of locking it away in your basement on display next to your Star Wars figures, why not instead turn your living room into a miniature museum? Old clay pots? Boring. The only real reason people pay to go to museums is to see dinosaurs, and you’ll have the most coveted attraction.
You can also rent it out for children’s birthday parties, corporate retreats, as a teaching aide for universities, as a movie prop or for countless other creative uses. And when it’s not in demand and making you money, simply turn it into an incredibly unique standing desk. Those are popular nowadays, right? What’s important is that in 40 or 50 years, you’ll have totally made back most of your initial investment. We promise.
[Theropod Expeditions via Uncrate]