The sale of “Gus” has set a new world record for dinosaur fossils.
Skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Illustrative image / © Associated Press
The skeleton of one of the most famous Tyrannosaurus Rex, nicknamed “Gus,” approximately 67 million years old, was sold at Sotheby’s auction in New York for a record $50.1 million, including commissions.
As reported by The Guardian, this became the most expensive dinosaur fossil sale in auction history.
The lot’s value significantly exceeded the previous estimate of $20-30 million, and the buyer was a participant who bid by phone.
One of the Largest and Most Complete Tyrannosaurs
“Gus” is considered one of the largest and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons ever found. It was excavated by Theropoda Expeditions on a private ranch in the American state of South Dakota between 2021 and 2023.
The dinosaur was named after the landowner Gary “Gus” Likings. According to expert estimates, it lived about 67 million years ago, stood 3.8 meters tall, and was approximately 11.5 meters long.
Sotheby’s reports that the skeleton contains 183 original bone elements, including 30 out of the 32 extremely rare gastralia (belly ribs). In total, it is preserved at approximately 61% by bone count and 75-80% by bone mass, and also features an almost fully preserved skull with all six rows of teeth.
Battle Scars on the Bones
Paleontologists have determined that the Tyrannosaurus Rex endured numerous injuries during its life. Bite marks from other tyrannosaurids, as well as healed fractures, were found on its skull, jaw, ribs, and other bones.
Researchers suggest the damage could have resulted from confrontations with its own kind or from attacks by scavengers after the animal’s death.
Sale Sparks Scientific Controversy
Even before the auction, the sale of “Gus” into private hands ignited discussions among paleontologists. Scientists fear that this unique specimen may become inaccessible for further research.
Richard Butler, a professor at the University of Birmingham, stated that the transformation of fossils into luxury items and investments is “a cause for serious concern,” as exhibits that do not end up in museum collections are effectively lost to science.
His view was supported by Stephen Brusatte, a professor at the University of Edinburgh. Although the sale was legal since the find 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 carried out to the highest professional standards.
As a reminder, scientists discovered a vertebral fragment in a fossil site in Thailand, which allowed them to identify a new species of giant dinosaur.
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