A Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, approximately 67 million years old and remarkably complete, has been sold at auction for over $50 million (£37 million), setting a new record for a fossil sale. The specimen, known as 'Gus,' was discovered in South Dakota's Hell Creek Formation and excavated by a private company in 2021. At 61% complete, the fossil includes an exceptionally preserved skull and evidence of inter-species combat.
The sale has drawn strong criticism from the scientific community. The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology issued a statement emphasizing that fossils of significant scientific importance are "far more than rare collectibles." The society advocates for such specimens to be housed in accredited museums, universities, or public research institutions to ensure they remain accessible for scientific investigation, education, and public exhibition. They highlighted that scientific understanding of fossils evolves over time, and access to previously collected specimens has led to major discoveries.
Experts express concern that when scientifically important fossils enter private collections without provisions for long-term access, future research and educational opportunities may be permanently lost. Professor Richard Butler, a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Birmingham, described the sale as "very concerning," stating that fossils not held in public collections are "lost to research." Professor Stephen Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh echoed these sentiments, noting the limited recourse scientists have when such high prices are offered.
Sotheby's representatives have defended the private excavation and sale, suggesting that such commercial efforts are sometimes necessary to unearth fossils that might otherwise remain undiscovered. They stated that the high price reflects the fossil's importance and the considerable effort involved in its recovery. The ready-mounted skeleton stands an impressive 12.5 feet (3.8 meters) tall.