Happy Holidays! And no, I’m not talking about TREX the stock ticker, but T-Rex of the Jurassic kind. If you are having a hard time finding that perfect gift for the paleontologist or fossil collector that is on your Christmas list, you should swing by Paleodirect.com and browse around. You will receive many thanks and accolades for years to come from your fortunate gift recipient.

As an investment, high quality rare fossils do not depreciate –unless you break it. Fossil collecting is one of the most undervalued markets in the field of rare collectibles. With international demand growing, deposits being depleted and new laws imposed on the trade of rare fossils; the price of the finest and rarest specimens will appreciate year after year.

High quality animal and plant fossils and pre-historic artifacts are much sought after by collectors from around the world. They have good reasons. Rare fossils are a finite commodity. While Mother Nature can still churn out other collectibles like precious stones, there are no more dinosaurs or pre-historic fauna to fossilize.

Many beautiful fossils are used by discerning collectors as functional art and display them as a conversational centerpiece to be enjoyed by all. Others prefer collecting the artifacts of pre historic man as a connection to our past. Imagine holding and feeling the same stone tool created and used by a living person thousands of years ago.

Buying a piece of history as a gift or investment is a good choice; however, it can be costly on the pocketbook. Depending on the size, quality, type and rarity of the fossils or artifacts; you can expect a wide price range from $50 to almost priceless. If you are purely in it for the investment, understand that a lower price usually means the object is not of high quality or pretty common.

Be aware that there are fakes floating around in the market. You should purchase from an experienced and respected seller that can provide a certificate of authenticity. Membership with the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS) is a good gauge of an ethical dealer. Like in most markets of rare collectibles, when there is a high demand and low supply, there exist a black market and illegal trade. Know your local and international laws to stay out of trouble.

Here some other places to find fossils… you don’t even need a pick and shovel.

http://www.blackhawkfossils.com
http://www.fossilmall.com
http://www.langsfossils.com/home.htm