Rare Nanotyrannus Skeleton 'Jodi' Goes to Auction for Millions

A mounted skeleton of a Nanotyrannus, a dinosaur species recently confirmed as distinct from Tyrannosaurus rex, is being auctioned by Sotheby's in New York with an estimated price of $6 million to $9 million.

The roughly 10-foot-tall skeleton, nicknamed "Jodi," represents one of only three known specimens of Nanotyrannus. Sotheby's describes it as an "exhibition-ready" fossil with a nearly complete skull and 191 bone elements. The sale marks the first time a Nanotyrannus skeleton has been available on the market since US researchers confirmed the genus's separate classification last October.

Nanotyrannus and T. rex lived concurrently approximately 67 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Paleontologists note that Nanotyrannus was smaller and more slender than T. rex, with blade-like teeth suited for slicing meat, unlike the bone-crushing teeth of its larger relative.

"Jodi" was initially displayed as a juvenile T. rex at London's Frieze Masters art fair in October 2023, before the Nanotyrannus genus was definitively classified. The specimen was discovered on private land in Montana by rancher Jodi Pierson and excavated by commercial paleontologist Clayton Phipps. Phipps was also involved in the discovery of the "Dueling Dinosaurs" fossil, which features a Nanotyrannus and Triceratops locked in combat and was found near the site where "Jodi" was unearthed.

The auction of "Jodi" occurs as some scientists express concern about the private sale of significant fossil remains. Following the $50.1 million sale of a T. rex skeleton named "Gus" in July, experts argued that such important specimens should be accessible for public study and display in museums. Paleontologists have voiced worries that high auction prices could prevent institutions from acquiring these fossils, potentially limiting scientific research and public education.

"We've really just found out that Nanotyrannus is real, and now one of the best skeletons is about to be sold to the highest bidder, and it's harrowing to think it could disappear into the vaults of a collector rather than displayed on a museum where it can wow and inspire kids and families and the public at large," said Steve Brusatte, a paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh.

However, others acknowledge the significant effort and investment in excavating these fossils. Megan Jenkins, a paleontologist at the University of Portsmouth, noted that while private sales are a concern, many valuable fossils eventually find their way into public view or museums. "I don't begrudge the people involved for wanting to sell it for such a large amount of money," Jenkins stated. "Although its a scary prospect, actually a lot of them have ended up in the public eye... these things without a doubt will end end up in a museum at some point."