A Tyrannosaurus fossil, claimed to be among the largest and most complete ever found, was sold for a record $50.1 million on Tuesday.
Sotheby’s reported that this 67-million-year-old fossil, named “Gus,” now holds the title for the most expensive dinosaur bones sold at auction, surpassing the nearly $45 million sale of a nearly complete Stegosaurus in 2024. The previous record belonged to a T. rex skeleton known as Stan, which fetched about $32 million in 2020.
“Gus is not just an incredible find; it’s a specimen that’s been meticulously excavated, documented, and is in superb condition,” said Sotheby’s Vice Chair Cassandra Hutton after the auction concluded. “When high-quality specimens are properly managed, the market reacts positively.”
Why the bidding frenzy for this Tyrannosaurus?
Standing upright with his tail extended and one leg slightly raised, “Gus” is an adult dinosaur, measuring approximately 12.5 feet (3.8 meters) tall and 38 feet (11.5 meters) long.
The skull is around 63% complete, featuring what Sotheby’s described as an “exceptionally preserved” skull with a large jaw filled with strong teeth, as well as two robust legs and several rare bones, including a wishbone.
Unearthed in a South Dakota ranch in 2021, the fossil was named in honor of property owner Gary Licking, who passed away during the nearly five-year long excavation and restoration process.
A mystery bidder triumphed over six other competitors in a ten-minute bidding war on Tuesday.
Scientists urge for greater public access
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, a group representing scientists and students, voiced that significant fossils like Gus deserve to be displayed in museums and research institutions so they can be preserved and available for future generations.
“This remarkable fossil is just the start of its scientific journey,” stated Christina Curry Rogers, vice president of the association. “Many major breakthroughs in paleontology occur years or even decades after fossils have been collected. Innovative analytical methods enable scientists to explore new questions about specimens already housed in museums.”
Interestingly, the previous record dinosaur fossil holder, a Stegosaurus, is now on long-term loan at the American Museum of Natural History. The first dinosaur ever auctioned off, also by Sotheby’s in 1997, was Tyrannosaurus “Sue,” which is featured prominently at Chicago’s Field Museum.
The iconic Cretaceous predator
Tyrannosaurus, meaning “tyrannical lizard king,” dominated its ecosystem during the late Cretaceous period.
With its intimidating jaw and notably short arms, it’s perhaps the most recognized dinosaur—appearing in everything from children’s shows like Barney to the legendary Jurassic Park franchise.
Sotheby’s highlighted that these colossal creatures roamed what’s now western North America when it was marked by “warm climates, high sea levels, and rich coastal plains,” nurturing large herbivores like the triceratops, which formed a significant part of their diet.
