Ankylosaurus Osteoderm in Riker Box — Real Dinosaur Armor Fossil, Hell Creek Formation, North Dakota (66 MYA)

Own a real piece of dinosaur armor. This authentic Ankylosaurus osteoderm was collected from the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota and dates to the Late Cretaceous, about 66 million years ago. It comes displayed in a labeled Riker box, ready for a shelf, desk or classroom.

This is the exact piece you will receive. It is a one-of-a-kind specimen, so what you see in the photos is what ships. Only one is available.

Ankylosaurus was one of the most heavily armored dinosaurs that ever lived, a tank-like plant-eater that shared the Hell Creek landscape with T. rex and Triceratops. Its back and sides were covered in osteoderms, bony plates embedded in the skin that formed a protective shield against predators. Armor plates are much less common than teeth or bone fragments, which makes this a standout piece for any collection.

A great gift for fossil collectors, dinosaur lovers, kids, teachers and anyone who loves armored dinosaurs.

Specimen Details

• Species: Ankylosaurus (see note below)
• Specimen: Osteoderm (bony armor plate)
• Age: Late Cretaceous, ~66 million years old
• Formation: Hell Creek Formation
• Location: North Dakota, USA
• Displayed in a labeled Riker box
• Ethically collected on private land with the landowner's permission and under the oversight of an academic team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an osteoderm?
An osteoderm is a bony plate that grows inside the skin. Armored dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus used them as protection, and they are the pieces that make up a dinosaur's armor.

Is this a real fossil?
Yes. This is a genuine fossil from the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota. It is not a cast or a replica.

How old is it?
About 66 million years old, from the very end of the Late Cretaceous, just before the dinosaurs went extinct.

What do I receive?
The exact specimen shown in the photos, displayed in a labeled Riker box.

Where was it found?
In the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, on private land with the landowner's permission and under the oversight of an academic team.

Note: This osteoderm might belong to a nodosaur, a close armored relative of Ankylosaurus. Ankylosaurus have been found in this area.