T. rex ‘Gus’ hailed as king of the dinosaurs after $86m auction battle
A T. rex skeleton nicknamed 'Gus' was sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York for over $86 million. The sale highlights the increasing commercial value of dinosaur fossils and the ongoing debate regarding private ownership of scientific specimens.
Why it matters
The record-breaking sale underscores the tension between the private fossil market and the scientific community's desire to preserve specimens for public research.
A tyrannosaurus rex skeleton nicknamed "Gus" sold for more than $86m in New York. Gus is the most complete fossilised skeleton of the species to be found so far (pictured is T. rex skeleton "Barbara")
A tyrannosaurus rex skeleton nicknamed “Gus” has sold for US$50.1 million ($86.2m) 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.
The giant predator lived 66-72 to 66 million years ago - a period characterised by a warm climate, high sea levels and vast floodable coastal plains.
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