The Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, nicknamed “Gus,” was sold in New York on Tuesday for $50.1 million, marking a new record for a fossil dinosaur at auction. According to Deutsche Welle, the bidding process was highly competitive, lasting approximately ten minutes with seven participants. The winning bid was placed by an anonymous buyer.
This sale surpasses the previous auction record, which was set by Apex, the skeleton of a Stegosaurus. Apex was sold at the same auction house, Sotheby’s, in 2024 for $44.6 million. Cassandra Hatton, vice president of the auction house and global leader of science and nature, noted that “Gus is one of the largest and most complete T-rex skeletons ever found.” The fossil measures 11.6 meters in length and originates from the late Cretaceous period.
The successful transaction highlights the high value placed on significant paleontological specimens. The sale price of $50.1 million establishes a new benchmark for dinosaur fossils in the collector’s market. The auction successfully brought the remains of this notable specimen to a private buyer.
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