Rare Nodosaurus Vertebra Fossil Bone with Metal Stand, Hell Creek Formation, Maastrichtian Upper Cretaceous, Harding County USA

Description

Authentic Nodosaurus Dinosaur Vertebra – Upper Cretaceous Fossil from South Dakota

This magnificent Nodosaurus vertebra fossil originates from the renowned Hell Creek Formation, Harding County, South Dakota, USA. Dating to the Maastrichtian Stage of the Upper Cretaceous (approximately 66–70 million years ago), this specimen represents an extraordinary remnant of one of the earliest-known members of the Ankylosauria, a group of heavily armoured herbivorous dinosaurs. Mounted on a custom metal display stand, this genuine vertebral fossil makes an impressive and scientifically important display piece for collectors, museums, and enthusiasts alike.

Geological and Scientific Context

The Hell Creek Formation is one of the most famous Late Cretaceous fossil localities in the world, spanning parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. It preserves a rich and diverse ecosystem from the very end of the Mesozoic Era, moments before the mass extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs.

Deposited in fluvial floodplain and deltaic environments, the Hell Creek sediments include sandstones, siltstones, and mudstones laid down by ancient river systems and low-lying wetlands. These environments supported lush vegetation and a thriving community of dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, and mammals.

This Nodosaurus vertebra was preserved in a fine-grained sandstone matrix, typical of inland floodplain deposits. Its excellent mineral replacement and fine preservation reveal distinct centrum morphology, with the characteristic robust shape and surface texture seen in nodosaurid vertebrae. The fossil provides valuable insight into the skeletal structure of this armoured dinosaur species.

The Nodosaurus – Armoured Herbivore of the Cretaceous

Nodosaurus, a member of the Nodosauridae family, belonged to the broader Ankylosauria superfamily, related to the better-known Ankylosaurus but lacking the iconic tail club. Instead, Nodosaurus was protected by rows of bony osteoderms and thick dermal plates, giving it formidable defence against Cretaceous predators such as Tyrannosaurus rex.

It was a medium to large-sized, quadrupedal herbivore with a low-slung body adapted to grazing on low vegetation. The robust vertebrae, such as the one offered here, supported its powerful frame and contributed to its heavily armoured back.

This specimen represents a fascinating fragment of this prehistoric armour-plated lineage and serves as a tangible connection to one of the final chapters of dinosaur evolution.

Display and Authenticity

The fossil is mounted securely on a custom metal stand, ideal for display in private or educational collections. The scale cube (1 cm) shown in the photograph provides reference for size, and the photo displays the exact specimen you will receive.

Every fossil sold by us is a 100% genuine specimen, never a cast or replica, and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying its provenance and identification.

This Nodosaurus vertebra from the Hell Creek Formation is a truly exceptional and scientifically significant fossil, offering both geological beauty and deep historical value — a genuine relic from the age of dinosaurs.