‘Gus’ the T-rex fetches record $64.7m at US auction
A T-rex skeleton nicknamed 'Gus' sold for $64.7 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York, setting a new record for dinosaur fossils. The sale has sparked debate among paleontologists regarding the ethics of private ownership of scientific specimens.
Why it matters
The commercialization of rare fossils raises concerns about the loss of scientific data and public access to natural history artifacts.
"Gus", a mounted Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, one of the world’s most complete T-rex skeletons.
A nearly complete T-rex skeleton named "Gus" sold for $64.7 million at Sotheby's in New York, setting a new auction record for dinosaur fossils. "Gus" was found in South Dakota in 2021, measures 11.6m long, and is about 63% complete with 183 fossilised bones. The sale reflects a growing fossil market in the US, where fossils are private property if found on owned land, sparking criticism from paleontologists. AI generated
NEW YORK – A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton nicknamed “Gus” sold Tuesday for $50.1 million (S$64.7 million) at Sotheby’s in New York, making it the most valuable dinosaur fossil bought at auction after a 10-minute battle between seven bidders.
“Gus” is one of the world’s most complete T-rex skeletons – with 183 fossilised bones – and was discovered on a cattle ranch in South Dakota in 2021.
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