A museum-exhibited dinosaur skeleton enters the global market this March.
A Prehistoric Icon Hits the Block
Pharrell Williams’ digital auction house JOOPITER is venturing into deep time with the sale of “Trey,” an exceptionally complete Triceratops skeleton dating back over 66 million years to the Late Cretaceous period.
Originally discovered in 1993 in Wyoming’s Lance Formation by paleontologists Allen Graffham and Lee Campbell, Trey represents one of the most recognizable dinosaur species ever unearthed. Unlike many fossils that disappear into private ownership, this specimen has remained in the public eye for nearly three decades.
From Excavation to Exhibition
After its excavation in Lusk, Wyoming, the skeleton was transported to Germany for detailed restoration before returning to the United States for the 1995 opening of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Since then, Trey has been on continuous loan and public display, viewed by more than one million visitors.
Notably, Trey is the only dinosaur discovered by Graffham to reach the market in the past 20 years, with his other major finds permanently housed in museum collections. That rarity adds significant historical weight to the sale.
Science, History and Cultural Crossover
The auction has been curated with input from leading paleontologist Andre LuJan, who described the specimen as an “ambassador from deep time,” emphasizing its ability to inspire collective awe while bridging science and public imagination.
JOOPITER CEO John Auerbach framed the sale as transcending traditional categories, calling it “a piece of history truly millions of years in the making.”
Global Bidding Opens in March
Online bidding for Trey will run globally from March 17 through March 31 via JOOPITER’s platform. The skeleton will also be available for private viewing appointments in Singapore throughout the month.
In tandem with the sale, JOOPITER plans to release a dedicated merchandise capsule, merging prehistoric legacy with contemporary cultural storytelling.
