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“Gus” the T. rex skeleton sells for US$50.1 million at Sotheby’s

The anonymous buyer paid US$50.1 million for a T. rex skeleton with 183 fossilised bones, after a roughly 10 minute auction battle between seven bidders, underscoring growing demand for high end dinosaur fossils.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Emerging Markets

A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton nicknamed “Gus” sold for US$50.1 million at Sotheby’s in New York, making it the most valuable dinosaur fossil purchased at auction, Agence France-Presse reported.

The winning bid came after a 10 minute battle involving seven bidders, according to the report. The buyer was identified only as anonymous.

“Gus” is described as one of the world’s most complete T. rex skeletons, with 183 fossilised bones. The specimen was discovered on a cattle ranch in South Dakota in 2021 and dates to about 72 to 66 million years ago.

Sotheby’s said the skeleton measures 11.6 metres, roughly 38 feet, in length and is about 63 percent complete. The article also noted criticism from some palaeontologists that the high prices can drive valuable fossils into private hands.

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