A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil regarded as one of the largest and most complete in the world sold for $50.1 million in an auction conducted by Sotheby’s. This sale establishes the fossil, nicknamed ‘Gus,’ as the most expensive dinosaur bones ever auctioned, surpassing the nearly $45 million paid for a stegosaurus in 2024. Previously, the record was held by another T. rex skeleton named ‘Stan,’ which sold for nearly $32 million in 2020.
‘Gus is not only an exceptional find, but a specimen that’s been excavated, documented, prepared, and cared for with real excellence,’ Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s vice chair, commented after the transaction.
Standing upright with its tail extended and right foot slightly raised, ‘Gus’ measures approximately 12 ½ feet tall and 38 feet long. The specimen is about 63% complete, featuring an exceptionally preserved skull with a powerful jaw, two well-represented feet, and rarely found bones such as a wishbone. Discovered in 2021 on a South Dakota ranch, ‘Gus’ was named to honor Gary Licking, the property owner who passed away during the fossil’s excavation and preparation.
The auction featured a competitive 10-minute bidding battle, with seven potential buyers participating. ‘Try a bigger bite,’ auctioneer Phyllis Kao encouraged, noting the significance of the bidding for a T. rex. The fossil was initially estimated to fetch between $20 and $30 million.
Scientists Advocate for Museum Display
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, a group of scientists, scholars, and students, advocates for significant fossils like ‘Gus’ to be displayed in museums for public access and scientific study. Kristina Curry Rogers, the society’s vice president, emphasized the importance of preserving and documenting fossils for future generations. She highlighted how advances in paleontology often occur years after a fossil is collected.
For instance, the stegosaurus ‘Apex,’ the previous record-holder, is on long-term loan at the American Museum of Natural History. Similarly, ‘Sue’ the T. rex, auctioned in 1997, is a centerpiece at the Field Museum. ‘Stan’ is showcased at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, defeating another T. rex near a triceratops.
Tyrannosaurus Rex: Apex Predator
The Tyrannosaurus rex, aptly named ‘King of the Tyrant Lizards,’ was a dominant predator during the late Cretaceous period. Known for its formidable jawline and small arms, the creature is widely recognized and adored, appearing in media from children’s shows to the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise.
These majestic beasts roamed western North America, thriving in regions with warm climates and rich coastal floodplains. Such environments supported their prey, giant herbivores like the triceratops, allowing the T. rex to reign supreme.