18 Most Expensive Animal Mounts and Trophies

For enthusiasts and collectors of big game trophies, the allure of owning a rare and meticulously crafted animal mount is undeniable. These mounts are not only symbols of adventure and hunting prowess but also represent significant investments, with prices often reflecting the rarity and difficulty of obtaining such specimens. From the majestic African elephant to the elusive snow leopard, each of these trophies holds a unique place in the world of taxidermy, where artistry and nature converge to create striking, lifelike displays. Below, we explore some of the most expensive and sought-after animal mounts, detailing what makes them so valuable and desirable.

Polar Bear Mount – $60,000+

The polar bear, an apex predator of the Arctic, is a rare and prized specimen in the taxidermy world. Its massive size, striking white fur, and powerful build make it a centerpiece in any trophy room. Due to its protected status and the difficulty in acquiring a legal specimen, the polar bear mount can fetch prices well above $60,000. The process of preserving such a large animal is meticulous, requiring skilled artisans to capture its lifelike essence. As a result, it remains one of the most coveted and expensive mounts available.

African Elephant Head Mount – $75,000+

The African elephant, known for its grandeur and iconic tusks, commands a high price as a trophy mount. With tusks often weighing over 100 pounds each, these mounts are a symbol of both power and prestige. The sheer size of an elephant’s head, along with the intricate work needed to preserve its skin and tusks, contributes to its hefty price tag, often exceeding $75,000. Collectors value the elephant not only for its physical attributes but also for the rich history and adventure associated with big game hunting in Africa. However, due to conservation concerns, the availability of these mounts is increasingly restricted.

Lion Full-Body Mount – $50,000+

The lion, often referred to as the “King of the Jungle,” is a majestic and powerful predator, making its full-body mount a sought-after trophy. The regal mane, piercing eyes, and lifelike posture of a well-preserved lion can command prices upwards of $50,000. Hunters and collectors alike prize the lion for its symbolic representation of strength and dominance in the animal kingdom. Creating a lifelike lion mount requires not only the finest taxidermy skills but also an understanding of the animal’s natural stance and behavior. As a result, these mounts are both awe-inspiring and costly.

Leopard Full-Body Mount – $40,000+

Leopards, with their sleek bodies and distinctive spotted coats, are one of the most elegant and elusive predators. A full-body leopard mount captures the grace and agility of this remarkable animal, making it a prized possession for collectors. The cost of a well-crafted leopard mount can exceed $40,000, reflecting both the animal’s rarity and the intricate work involved in replicating its natural appearance. Preserving the leopard’s distinctive spots and lifelike pose requires meticulous attention to detail. As a result, these mounts are highly valued and often displayed as centerpieces in trophy rooms.

Cape Buffalo Shoulder Mount – $25,000+

The Cape buffalo, known for its aggressive nature and formidable horns, is one of the “Big Five” game animals of Africa. A shoulder mount of this powerful beast is a symbol of both the hunter’s bravery and the animal’s tenacity. Prices for a Cape buffalo mount can reach $25,000 or more, depending on the size and condition of the horns. The process of mounting a Cape buffalo requires careful attention to detail, particularly in preserving the animal’s thick hide and massive head. As such, it remains a popular and expensive choice among big game hunters.

Bighorn Sheep Shoulder Mount – $30,000+

Bighorn sheep, native to North America’s rugged mountains, are prized for their impressive curled horns and the challenging hunts required to obtain them. A shoulder mount of a bighorn sheep can cost upwards of $30,000, making it one of the more expensive North American trophies. The difficulty of the hunt, often conducted in remote and harsh environments, adds to the allure and value of these mounts. Preserving the bighorn’s majestic horns and lifelike appearance requires expert craftsmanship. Collectors often view the bighorn sheep as a symbol of wilderness adventure and hunting prowess.

Moose Full-Body Mount – $40,000+

The moose, the largest member of the deer family, is an iconic species of North America’s northern forests. A full-body moose mount, with its towering antlers and massive size, can command prices exceeding $40,000. The moose’s antlers alone, often spanning six feet or more, are a striking feature that requires careful preservation. Creating a lifelike mount of such a large animal is a complex and time-consuming process, requiring skilled taxidermists to replicate the moose’s natural posture and expression. As a result, these mounts are both impressive and highly valued.

Kodiak Bear Rug Mount – $35,000+

The Kodiak bear, one of the largest and most powerful bear species, is native to Alaska’s remote Kodiak Archipelago. A rug mount of a Kodiak bear, featuring its massive head and extended claws, can cost over $35,000. The bear’s thick fur and intimidating presence make it a striking addition to any trophy collection. Preserving a Kodiak bear as a rug mount requires not only expert taxidermy skills but also careful handling to maintain the fur’s natural luster and color. These mounts are highly sought after by collectors and hunters alike.

Giraffe Neck Mount – $45,000+

The giraffe, with its towering height and distinctive spotted coat, is a unique and exotic trophy. A neck mount of a giraffe, capturing the animal’s long and graceful neck, can fetch prices upwards of $45,000. The giraffe’s unusual proportions and striking appearance make it a challenging subject for taxidermists, requiring careful attention to detail. The result is a visually stunning mount that adds an exotic flair to any trophy room. However, due to conservation concerns, giraffe mounts are becoming increasingly rare and valuable.

Alaskan Brown Bear Full-Body Mount – $50,000+

The Alaskan brown bear, one of the largest and most powerful predators in North America, is a highly coveted trophy. A full-body mount of this massive bear can command prices exceeding $50,000, reflecting both the animal’s size and the skill required to preserve its imposing presence. The bear’s thick fur, sharp claws, and powerful build make it a centerpiece in any trophy collection. Creating a lifelike mount of an Alaskan brown bear is a complex and time-intensive process, requiring expert craftsmanship. As a result, these mounts are among the most expensive and sought after.

Sable Antelope Shoulder Mount – $20,000+

The sable antelope, with its striking black coat and curved horns, is one of Africa’s most beautiful and iconic species. A shoulder mount of a sable antelope can cost upwards of $20,000, making it a prized trophy for hunters and collectors. The antelope’s distinctive horns, which can reach lengths of over five feet, are a key feature that requires careful preservation. The process of creating a lifelike sable antelope mount involves meticulous attention to detail, particularly in replicating the animal’s sleek coat and graceful posture. As such, these mounts are highly valued and often displayed with pride.

Black Rhino Shoulder Mount – $120,000+

The black rhinoceros, critically endangered and fiercely protected, is one of the rarest and most expensive trophies available. A shoulder mount of a black rhino, featuring its iconic horn and rugged appearance, can cost over $120,000. The difficulty in legally obtaining a black rhino trophy, combined with the expert craftsmanship required to preserve its thick hide and horn, contributes to its high price. These mounts are not only a symbol of hunting prowess but also a statement of wealth and exclusivity. Due to conservation efforts, black rhino trophies are becoming increasingly rare and valuable.

Snow Leopard Full-Body Mount – $90,000+

The snow leopard, a highly elusive and endangered species, is one of the most expensive and sought-after trophies. A full-body mount of a snow leopard, capturing its beautiful spotted coat and graceful form, can command prices upwards of $90,000. The rarity of the animal, combined with the difficulty of the hunt in remote mountainous regions, adds to the allure and value of these mounts. Preserving the snow leopard’s distinctive coat and lifelike posture requires expert taxidermy skills. As a result, these mounts are both rare and highly prized.

Grizzly Bear Shoulder Mount – $30,000+

The grizzly bear, a symbol of North America’s wilderness, is a powerful and iconic predator. A shoulder mount of a grizzly bear, showcasing its massive head and formidable teeth, can cost upwards of $30,000. The bear’s thick fur and muscular build make it a challenging subject for taxidermists, requiring careful attention to detail. The result is a lifelike mount that captures the grizzly’s strength and ferocity. These mounts are highly valued by hunters and collectors, often serving as a focal point in trophy rooms.

Kudu Full-Body Mount – $25,000+

The kudu, with its long spiraling horns and elegant frame, is one of Africa’s most striking antelopes. A full-body mount of a kudu can command prices exceeding $25,000, reflecting both the animal’s beauty and the skill required to preserve its intricate features. The kudu’s horns, which can reach lengths of over four feet, are a key element of the mount and require meticulous craftsmanship to replicate. The process of preserving a kudu involves careful attention to the animal’s sleek coat and natural posture. As such, these mounts are highly prized by collectors and hunters alike.

Musk Ox Shoulder Mount – $20,000+

The musk ox, native to the Arctic tundra, is a unique and powerful animal, known for its thick fur and curved horns. A shoulder mount of a musk ox, capturing its rugged appearance, can cost upwards of $20,000. The process of preserving a musk ox requires careful attention to its dense fur and massive head, ensuring that the mount captures the animal’s lifelike essence. The musk ox is a symbol of the harsh and unforgiving Arctic environment, making it a prized trophy for hunters. These mounts are highly valued for their distinctive appearance and the challenges involved in obtaining them.

Mountain Lion Full-Body Mount – $35,000+

The mountain lion, also known as a cougar or puma, is one of North America’s most elusive and powerful predators. A full-body mount of a mountain lion, capturing its sleek form and predatory gaze, can command prices exceeding $35,000. The difficulty of the hunt, often conducted in rugged and remote terrain, adds to the allure and value of these mounts. Preserving the mountain lion’s muscular build and lifelike posture requires expert taxidermy skills. As a result, these mounts are highly prized by collectors and hunters alike.

Jaguar Full-Body Mount – $70,000+

The jaguar, native to the dense forests of Central and South America, is one of the most powerful and elusive big cats. A full-body mount of a jaguar, capturing its sleek form and distinctive spotted coat, can command prices exceeding $70,000. The rarity of the animal, combined with the difficulty of the hunt, adds to the allure and value of these mounts. Preserving the jaguar’s muscular build and lifelike posture requires expert taxidermy skills. As a result, these mounts are highly prized by collectors and hunters alike.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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