New York: T-Rex skeleton sells for $50 million at US auction, setting a new record

A Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, known as "Gus," fetched a staggering $50.1 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York, shattering previous records and becoming the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold. The sale highlights the booming market for dinosaur fossils, which has attracted significant interest from collectors.

The "Gus" skeleton is considered one of the most complete T-Rex specimens globally, comprising 183 fossilized bones. Discovered in 2021 on a ranch in South Dakota, its find generated considerable excitement within both scientific and collecting circles. The dinosaur lived approximately 66 to 72 million years ago during the Maastrichtian Age, a period characterized by a warm climate, high sea levels, and extensive coastal plains.

Measuring 11.6 meters long, the skeleton ranks among the largest T-Rex specimens discovered. It is approximately 63% complete, a rarity that significantly contributes to its high value. The auction concluded with an anonymous bidder, underscoring the continued growth in the dinosaur fossil market.

However, this trend has drawn criticism from paleontologists. They voice concerns that invaluable scientific specimens are being acquired by private collectors, thereby removing them from public research. "The United States is the only country in the world where fossils of this kind are considered private property," stated Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's head of Science and Natural History departments, prior to the auction. The previous record for a fossil sold at auction was held by "Apex," a Stegosaurus purchased in 2024 by billionaire Ken Griffin for $44.6 million.

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The United States is the only country in the world where fossils of this kind are considered private property.