One of the most charming features of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the ability to obtain a neat and diverse array of fossils. With such a wide selection of awesome fossils (which can be displayed at Blathers' museum), finding these collectibles is more satisfying than ever.
These can provide some neat flair for one's island, though they can also sell for quite a few Bells. While most of these fossils can bring in quite a bit of cash, they encompass a pretty wide range in terms of their value. In fact, their selling price runs the gamut from a meager 1,000 Bells to a whopping 6,000. This list will highlight the most valuable amongst dozens of these ancient artifacts.
Updated on December 31, 2022 by Stephen LaGioia: As Animal Crossing: New Horizons closes in on another New Year's virtual celebration party, many fans have been reminded of what makes this sim so charming. There's the vibrant and relaxing island setting, the fun social gameplay, and of course, the rewarding system of crafting and collecting countless goodies — especially illusive fossils. And with Happy Home Paradise's neat feature that allows fossil exhibits in your designed homes, these rare artifacts have become even more alluring. So we thought we'd revisit this list.
20 Ptera Wings — 4,500 Bells
The fossils of this dinosaur all go for 4,000 Bells of more, and it makes sense why, given their majestic and unique form. In fact, the wings (both left and right) go for more than Pteranadon's smaller body — being the defining feature of this flying creature.
Since this is among the very largest animals to ever fly, as Blathers notes, the wings alone would make for some neat display items. It would also be a pretty broad one, as the wingspan could stretch to over 23 feet in some cases.
19 Stego Torso — 4,500 Bells
There are few more defining features of a dinosaur — especially their bones — than the torso and scales of a Stegosaurus. Granted, the fossil display here is a tad inaccurate — for while the scales were made of bone, they weren't actually attached to the skeleton of the animal.
Still, this is one of the cooler display items you can find when it comes to fossils. The dinosaur's broad torso and spikey scales reach almost two feel tall themselves! If you happened to have a copy and wished to sell it, though, you would fetch a cool 4,500 Bells.
18 Megacero Skull — 4,500 Bells
One of the neatest (and most intimidating) fossils as far as skulls go, the head belonging to this rhino-like beast is rightfully a valuable pickup. Ironically, despite the menacing look of these horned dinos, inside these skulls were small teeth that restricted them to soft plants to munch, which led to their early demise.
It should also be noted that these Megaceros were actually more closely related to horses, which may explain their diet. Pawn it at Nook's for 4,500 Bells.
17 Spino Torso — 5,000 Bells
True to its name, the Spinosaurus is equipped with an extensive fin-like spine decorating its back. As Blathers explains, this is made up of skin which is stretched over spike-like bones. These were used to regulate their body temperature, in typical reptile fashion.
But despite being among the largest of the carnivores, this dinosaur mainly stuck with fish that resided in swampy regions. Of course, these creatures make for an awesome decorative display, though they also fetch ample Bells — specifically, 5,000.
16 Dimetrodon Torso — 5,000 Bells
The Dimetrodon is not actually a dinosaur, as the bug-hating Blathers will happily tell you when you hand in any Dimetrodon fossils. It was actually just a large reptile, though, despite this, it's still placed with the other dinosaurs in the museum.
Its most prominent feature was its large sail-like organ on its back, so unsurprisingly, the torso section of this reptile that includes this part is worth a decent sum, 5,000 Bells in fact. This isn't the only part of the Dimetrodon that's worth some decent money either, but we'll cover that further on.
15 T.Rex Tail — 5,000 Bells
When it comes to dinosaurs, the Tyrannosaurus Rex is normally considered to be a favorite, largely due to the idea of it being the king of the dinosaurs and notably its starring role in the Jurassic Park films. The T.Rex Tail is worth a tidy sum of 5,000 Bells.
Interestingly, when complete, the T.Rex display is posed in the museum as if it is mid-battle with the Triceratops fossil model, leading to a rather awesome exhibit to show off to your friends who have yet to complete their fossil collection.
14 Left/Right Quetzal Wing — 5,000 Bells
The Quetzalcoatlus can be built using three fossils — its torso and two wings. Fortunately for you, both of its wings are worth a nice 5,000 Bells each. This rather fierce-looking dinosaur was the "undisputed ruler of the skies", according to Blathers.
Rather surprisingly, Blathers also explains that, as well as flying, the Quetzalcoatlus was known to crawl on all fours. The idea of seeing this beast crawling towards you on the ground is actually kind of scary, and Blathers will liken the idea of this to a "common beetle".
13 Brachio Pelvis — 5,000 Bells
When it comes to the Brachiosaur, more than one of its bones is great for making some Bells, one of which is its Pelvis bone that is worth 5,000 Bells. When donating to the museum, Blathers will inform you that this dinosaur's name translates to "arm lizard".
When your Brachiosaur fossil collection is complete, it will take pride of place in the center of your dinosaur exhibit at the museum, which it completely deserves as it is rather awesome (and rather large).
12 Diplo Tail — 5,000 Bells
The fossils of this herbivore are fairly pricey all-around, even when it comes down to its lengthy tail. It makes sense, given the towering, statuesque nature of this plant-eating beast. As Blathers himself puts it, the tail of the Diplodocus is magnificent — and its a big part of the reason the creature's length could reach a staggering 175 feet long.
You would certainly need ample room even when displaying these fossils outdoors. The tail alone will bring in 5,000 Bells at the Nookling's shop.
11 Diplo Skull — 5,000 Bells
This is one among many of the multi-part fossils that collectively fetch a pretty penny. While Diplo's actual skull is rather small, it also has a long neck, allowing this herbivore to reach the foliage growing from tall trees.
This massive plant-lover can be sold at the Nookling's shop for a more-than-respectable 5,000 Bells. Though similar in shape, the Diplodocus should not be confused with the Brachiosaur.
10 Stego Skull — 5,000 Bells
This is a valuable component of an even neater and more precious three-part fossil. While the diamond-shaped plates on its body are certainly cool, the Stego's skull outdoes it by 500 Bells — with a total selling price of 5,000.
Still, while the skull brings in quite a few Bells alone, you will definitely want to complete the structure of this awesome Stegosaur. It's a pretty unique-looking and rare breed, with its wide bone plates.
9 Tricera Torso — 5,000 Bells
The Triceratops is one of those iconic creatures people tend to think of when it comes to dinosaurs. Despite being a herbivore, these things are pretty massive and intimidating.
Its body may not be its most epic or distinguishing feature — as that honor would go to its skull. Regardless, it makes for a good item to pawn — assuming your museum already has its space taken up. A Tricera Torso can be sold at the Nookling's shop for 5,000 Bells.
8 T. Rex Torso — 5,500 Bells
Like many creatures from which these fossils originate, the T. Rex is an awe-inspiring dinosaur that you'll want to complete by obtaining all three of its parts. It makes for a cool display item in the museum and elsewhere.
And while it's certainly the largest item of the three components, the T. Rex torso actually isn't its most valuable part. Still, it sells for a heap of Bells — 5,500 to be exact. This is certainly warranted given that its body was one of the biggest of the carnivores; said to have weighed well over nine tons.
7 Right Megalo Side — 5,500 Bells
This creature is pretty distinct — not just in terms of its appearance and epic antlers, but because of the nature of the collectibles in the game. Unlike many of the fossils that are comprised of three or more parts, you only need a right half and a left half to assemble this beast.
Oddly enough, its left side sells for just 4,000 Bells, while its right section will go for a more respectable 5,500.
6 Brachio Tail — 5,500 Bells
Taking its honorable place as the only tail worth more than 5,000 Bells, the Brachio Tail can be sold for a surprising 5,500 Bells. Perhaps this is on account of the sheer length of this beast's tail, which takes up quite a bit of room.
Though this shouldn't come as a big surprise, considering this "ferocious forager" is one of the largest herbivores to have ever existed.
5 Dimetrodon Skull — 5,500 Bells
Being a more moderately-sized creature, the Dimetrodon is also completed by gathering just two parts — its skull and torso. Its large sail-like organ is definitely the stand-out feature, to be sure.
Body aside though, the Dimetroden's skull should be the component that's prioritized, as it will sell for 5,500. This cold-blooded reptile can definitely bring in a pretty penny, despite being dwarfed by some of its brethren.
4 Brachio Chest — 5,500 Bells
It stands to reason that the chest of one of the largest plant-eaters of the dinosaur world is also one of the most valuable fossils. In fact, it is said that this creature likely had to eat pretty much every waking hour to fill its large belly.
It's certainly one of the most robust fossil components that can be found in the game. That's probably why it will sell at the Nookling's store for a solid 5,500 Bells.
3 Tricera Skull — 5,500 Bells
This skull may be one of the coolest trinkets that can possibly be displayed in New Horizons, though it's also one of the most valuable artifacts. As Blathers explains, its three distinct horns allowed it to put up a fight in combat, despite being a plant-eater.
It could even stand up to the likes of the intimidating Tyrannosaurus Rex, which could explain its museum placement. The Tricera Skull sells for a whopping 5,500 Bells.
2 Brachio Skull - 6,000 Bells
And now to examine the truly elite fossil pieces. As it happens, the beast that is the Brachiosaur is so massive that it requires four components to fully assemble one at the museum. But while each of the four pieces is valuable, its skull, which also comprises its long neck, reigns supreme in New Horizons.
The skull of this gigantic herbivore will fetch 6,000 Bells at the Nookling's shop. It can also make for a pretty stylish display item, as the picture above illustrates.
1 T. Rex Skull - 6,000 Bells
It turns out that this massive carnivore managed to remain the king of the dinosaur world long after its extinction — at least when it comes to value in New Horizons.
As Blathers describes, this thing has "banana-sized teeth," which allowed it to consume its prey rather easily. The skull of this iconic dinosaur will sell at Nook's for a monstrous 6,000 Bells.