A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, nicknamed “Gus,” sold for a record $50.1 million on Tuesday at Sotheby's, making it the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever auctioned. The 67-million-year-old specimen fetched a price significantly higher than its estimated value of $20 to $30 million.
The winning bidder, who remains anonymous, outlasted six other prospective buyers in a 10-minute auction. "Gus" is described as one of the world's largest and most complete T. rex specimens, standing approximately 12 ½ feet tall and 38 feet long. It is about 63% complete, featuring an "exceptionally preserved" skull, two well-represented feet, and rare bones like a furcula, or wishbone.
![The "Gus" Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton stands outdoors on a gravel path, with a cloudy sky and dry, hilly landscape in the background.]( "Gus" the T. rex skeleton)
This sale surpasses the previous record of nearly $45 million for a stegosaurus skeleton sold by Sotheby's in 2024, and the $32 million paid for a T. rex skeleton nicknamed “Stan” in 2020. "Gus is not only an exceptional find, but a specimen that’s been excavated, documented, prepared, and cared for with real excellence," stated Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s vice chair. "The market responds when great specimens are taken care of in the right way."
The "Gus" fossil was discovered in 2021 on a South Dakota ranch and named in honor of the property owner who died during the excavation and preparation process. "Gus" is posed standing upright with its tail extended and one foot slightly raised.
Despite the record-breaking sale, the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology has urged that scientifically significant fossils like "Gus" should be accessible for public display in museums and research institutions. The organization emphasizes that such accessibility allows for preservation, documentation, and study by future generations, noting that significant scientific advances often occur years after a fossil's collection. Historically, prominent dinosaur fossils like the stegosaurus "Apex" and T. rexes “Sue” and “Stan” have become centerpieces of major museum collections, enabling ongoing research and public engagement.
Tyrannosaurus rex, meaning "King of the Tyrant Lizards," was a dominant predator during the late Cretaceous period in western North America. The species is widely recognized for its imposing jaw, short arms, and has been a prominent figure in popular culture, including the "Jurassic Park" film franchise.