A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, estimated to be 67 million years old, has set a new record as the most expensive dinosaur ever sold at auction, fetching an undisclosed price at Sotheby's in New York.
The specimen, nicknamed "Gus," was excavated over three field seasons between 2021 and 2023, requiring warm enough weather for the ground to thaw. Following its discovery, three years were spent in a laboratory piecing the skeleton together and preparing it for display.
During the reconstruction process, researchers identified significant details about the dinosaur's life, including bite marks on its skull and healed fractures on its ribs. These injuries suggest the Tyrannosaurus rex may have engaged in scavenging or fought with other dinosaurs during its existence.
The price achieved reflects the substantial time and resources invested in both the excavation and the meticulous laboratory work. While the identity of the buyer remains private, the trend for high-profile fossil sales suggests the possibility of public display.
For instance, the previous record holder for the most expensive dinosaur, a Stegosaurus named "Apex," was loaned to the American Museum of Natural History for four years by its billionaire owner, Kenneth C. Griffin. This precedent indicates that even with an ultra-wealthy purchaser, "Gus" might eventually be accessible to the public through museum loans.