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How to Value a Fossil

Fossils are petrified organic materials such as animal bones and plants that have been preserved by the elements over the years. Fossils provide insight into the lives of many animals both extinct and endangered such as dinosaurs, the woolly mammoth and the dodo bird. Most fossils are not worth millions of dollars; however, many collectors will pay top dollar for older fossils in good condition of animals that still roam the earth.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the type of fossil you are dealing with. Identifying the difference between animal fossils and plant fossils makes it easier to establish where the fossil came from and its approximate age.
- 2
  Inspect your fossil closely with a magnifying lens to determine if the fossil is older or more recent. Older fossils will project cracks that form specific patterns, showing the effects of years of erosion. More recent fossils will be smoother and less weathered.
- 3
  Look for any restorations that have been done on your fossil. Restorations appear as dull, artificial patches that are easily identifiable with your magnifying lens. You can also look at your fossil under a black light. Restorative pieces will emit a glow under these lights, allowing you to see the extent of work done to the fossil.
- 4
  Compare your fossil to other fossil casts available through natural history museums. Take your fossil to a professional to have it examined for any inconsistencies. A professional can verify the age of your fossil.
- 5
  Contact a local natural history museum or the American Museum of Natural History in New York where you can find information regarding pricing for fossils matching the one you have. From there you can determine the value of the fossil depending on how much restoration, damage and age the fossil holds.

Animals & Science