A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, named 'Gus,' was sold at Sotheby's for $50.1 million, surpassing its estimated price of $20 million to $30 million after a competitive 10-minute bidding war involving seven bidders. This sale sets a new record for the most expensive dinosaur ever auctioned, breaking the previous record held by a Stegosaurus skeleton sold for $44.6 million in 2024.
Gus, discovered in South Dakota and approximately 67 million years old, is noted for being one of the most complete dinosaur specimens, with 183 fossil bone elements and about 61% completeness. Its dimensions include a length of 38 feet and a height of 12.5 feet, with a skull measuring 54 inches. The specimen also shows signs of past injuries, which adds to its historical significance.
Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's vice chairman, emphasized the exceptional quality of the find. The auction reflects a broader trend where dinosaur fossils are becoming increasingly sought after by wealthy collectors, as they are perceived as valuable long-term investments. This trend is further supported by the sale of another T. rex named 'Stan' for $31.8 million in 2020.
However, experts caution that the market lacks sufficient safeguards for authenticity and verification, which could pose risks for future buyers