What Are New Species In Amber Woth To Private Collectors And Museums?

[dave]

Hi there, recently I may have come across a new species that is encased in Amber. The specialists at Natural History Museum are still looking at it and have said that its a very interesting specimen that they are struggling to identify. My question is how much are these things worth etc.

Kind regards David

[Auspex]

It may be beyond the financial realm...

If someone is going to describe, name, and publish, the holotype specimen will likely need to reside in a museum collection for reference.

[Fossildude19]

Depends on who's buying.

I think the value of donating a new species found to a museum is priceless.

Regards,

[dave]

Depends on who's buying.

I think the value of donating a new species found to a museum is priceless.

Regards,

Well I know that the museum I have sent pictures to is interested in buying the piece from me, but obviously im no expert on what a rarity such as a new species is worth.

Kind regards David

[Fossildude19]

Dave,

I would donate it, free of charge, with the caveat that they use your name when scientifically naming it, to be forever immortalized in Science!

THAT would be cool.

Regards,

[RCFossils]

I would also advise donating the specimen if the museum is interested in publishing on the fossil. Unless it is a really "showy" fossil, it will have relatively little value on the commercial market. Many times when dealing with insects in amber, the differences from one species to another can only be detected on the microscopic level. Most fossil collectors would not be willing to pay a premium for such a specimen.

Having dealt with quite a few museums, I am not always a proponent of donating fossils however in this instance, I think it would be the best way to go.

Did you collect the fossil or purchase it? What made you think it was an undescribed species?

[siteseer]

A specimen of a new species isn't necessarily worth more than one of an already-described species. As RCF Fossils noted, collectors are looking more for something flashy and rare. Someone must've noticed some anatomical character or group of characters that set your specimen apart from others of the same group. What is your specimen? Is it an insect? Did you recognize it as something unusual when you acquired it?

I have noticed that there is generally a friendly relationship between amber inclusion collectors and paleontologists. Part of it may be that many amber collectors are also biologists or hardcore insect collectors; part of it may also be that paleoentomologists have the same fascination with that type of fossil, generating a basic level of mutual understanding and respect.

Well I know that the museum I have sent pictures to is interested in buying the piece from me, but obviously im no expert on what a rarity such as a new species is worth.

Kind regards David

[dave]

A specimen of a new species isn't necessarily worth more than one of an already-described species. As RCF Fossils noted, collectors are looking more for something flashy and rare. Someone must've noticed some anatomical character or group of characters that set your specimen apart from others of the same group. What is your specimen? Is it an insect? Did you recognize it as something unusual when you acquired it?

I have noticed that there is generally a friendly relationship between amber inclusion collectors and paleontologists. Part of it may be that many amber collectors are also biologists or hardcore insect collectors; part of it may also be that paleoentomologists have the same fascination with that type of fossil, generating a basic level of mutual understanding and respect.

I spotted that it was strange straight away. I will attach a picture with this post.

Kind regards David

[siteseer]

A mantis? Wow. Yeah, I can understand why a museum would be willing to pay for that. Not many of those known from amber, especially an adult if I'm seeing it correctly.

I spotted that it was strange straight away. I will attach a picture with this post.

Kind regards David

[Terry Dactyll]

Dave.....A fossil is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it..... when you get two collectors after the same specimen the price goes up...... rarity and quality will play a big part in this..... If your considering donating it to the NHM as long as you cover your initial expenses or prep time I would be happy with that.....

[dave]

A mantis? Wow. Yeah, I can understand why a museum would be willing to pay for that. Not many of those known from amber, especially an adult if I'm seeing it correctly.

Its not a regular Mantis, it has Mantis qualities with its forearms, but if you look closely it is vertical standind, on two legs with muscular build to them and strange feet, hence the specialists cant figure out what it is.

Kind regards David

[tracer]

Its not a regular Mantis, it has Mantis qualities with its forearms, but if you look closely it is vertical standind, on two legs with muscular build to them and strange feet, hence the specialists cant figure out what it is.

Kind regards David

kinda sounds like yer describing my son tj...and i don't know what he's worth but i'm open for discussion regarding it...

[bear-dog]

I agree with donating it.I have 7 specimens in the University of Florida's collections,beside everyone being able to learn from it I still get that warm fuzzy feeling when I donate.You also have a sense of pride knowing that you donated such a rare or unusual fossil you found,something not too many are able to do. Edited July 21, 2010 by bear-dog

[Auspex]

kinda sounds like yer describing my son tj...and i don't know what he's worth but i'm open for discussion regarding it...

So that's what "Member Trades & Sales" means!

[ashcraft]

kinda sounds like yer describing my son tj...and i don't know what he's worth but i'm open for discussion regarding it...

I'm also open to discussion-what will you give me for taking him?

Brent Ashcraft

[tracer]

ya'll completely misread my post. tj is not for sale. i was just wondering what he's worth...i'd never considered before now whether scientists would want to study him, but he is...unique...

[Stonebreaker]

I'm sure I am in the minority here when I say that I would sell it for the top dollar. If a fossil would help me guarantee a chance to put my daughter through collage,then so be it. How many museums would actually display it? or would it be buried in the basement due to budget cuts or lack of space?

I guess it would depend on the price on the open market. But, it would be cool to have a specimen named after my daughter...or the cubs.

[dave]

I'm sure I am in the minority here when I say that I would sell it for the top dollar. If a fossil would help me guarantee a chance to put my daughter through collage,then so be it. How many museums would actually display it? or would it be buried in the basement due to budget cuts or lack of space?

I guess it would depend on the price on the open market. But, it would be cool to have a specimen named after my daughter...or the cubs.

you bring up a extremely good point, having your name in a science book or two is nice, but as they say "money makes the world go round", and in the current financial climate its getting harder and harder to come by.

Kind regards David

[ashcraft]

or the cubs.

You really want to doom the specimen to agonizing years of mediocrity? Never mess with the goat.

Cardinal fan to the end

Brent Ashcraft

[Stonebreaker]

LOL DIAF CARDS FANS!! J/k but i do bleed cubbies blue..daughters name is Addison Clark Dont ask what I had to give up to get that name.Let's just say if I ever need to sell my soul...Let's just say that she(We ALL know the devil is a woman) would have to buy the lease from she-who-controls-all lol