I agree with John Simmons' opinion that Natural History Collections should not be assigned a monetary value. The specimens have an intrinsic value; they are priceless. Intrinsic means, that by definition their value is: "...belonging to the real nature of a thing; not dependent on external circumstances..." External circumstances such as market value change depending on demand. Demand is influenced by collectors, hobbyists and what may be "in vogue", rather than the scientific value to a researcher or the educational value provided to a student or member of the public. Just my (strong) opinion... Carol K. Malcolm Texas Natural History Collection Texas Memorial Museum-UT Austin