The sale of “Gus” has set a new world record for dinosaur fossils.
Tyrannosaurus skeleton. Illustrative image / © Associated Press
The skeleton of one of the most famous Tyrannosaurus rex specimens, nicknamed “Gus,” approximately 67 million years old, was sold at Sotheby’s auction in New York for a record-breaking $50.1 million, including commissions.
As reported by The Guardian, this marks the most expensive dinosaur fossil sale in auction history.
The lot’s value significantly surpassed the previous estimate of $20–30 million, and the buyer was a participant who placed bids over the phone.
One of the Largest and Most Complete Tyrannosaurs
“Gus” is considered one of the largest and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever discovered. It was excavated by the company Theropoda Expeditions from a private ranch in the American state of South Dakota between 2021 and 2023.
The dinosaur was named in honor of the landowner, Gary “Gus” Lickings. Experts estimate it lived approximately 67 million years ago, stood 3.8 meters tall, and measured about 11.5 meters in length.
According to Sotheby’s, the skeleton comprises 183 original bone elements, including 30 out of the 32 exceptionally rare gastralia (belly ribs). Overall, it is preserved at about 61% by bone count and 75–80% by bone mass, featuring a nearly complete skull with all six rows of teeth.
Battle Scars Remain on the Bones
Paleontologists have determined that the tyrannosaur endured numerous injuries during its lifetime. Its skull, jaw, ribs, and other bones show signs of bites from other tyrannosaurids, as well as healed fractures.
Researchers suggest these injuries may have been sustained during confrontations with its own kind or from scavenging predators after the animal’s death.
Sale Sparks Controversy Among Scientists
Even before the auction, the sale of “Gus” into private hands ignited discussions among paleontologists. Scientists expressed concerns that the unique specimen might become inaccessible for further research.
Professor Richard Butler of the University of Birmingham stated that the transformation of fossils into luxury items and investments is “deeply concerning,” as exhibits that do not enter museum collections are effectively lost to science.
He was joined by Professor Stephen Brusatte of the University of Edinburgh. Although the sale was legal since the discovery was made on private land in the USA, the researcher acknowledged that, as a scientist, he is troubled by such practices.
New Auction Record
The sale of “Gus” has established a new world record for dinosaur fossils. The previous record was held by the Stegosaurus “Apex,” which was also sold at Sotheby’s auction in 2024 for $44.6 million.
Sotheby’s described “Gus” as an exceptional, museum-quality specimen, emphasizing that its excavation, restoration, and preservation were conducted to the highest professional standards.
In related news, scientists discovered a vertebral fragment in a fossil deposit in Thailand, which enabled them to identify a new species of giant dinosaur.
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