67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex sold for a record price

Living 67 million years ago, Tyrannosaurus rex remains were sold at Sotheby's auction in New York for $50.1 million (£37.4 million). This set a new record as the highest amount ever paid for dinosaur remains.

This rare specimen put up for auction named "Gus", is over 4 meters tall. According to experts, more than 60 percent of the skeleton has been preserved, making it one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever found.

The identity of the buyer of this rare find has not yet been officially disclosed.

"Gus" was discovered in 2021 on a remote ranch in South Dakota, USA. Excavation work was carried out in three stages during the summer seasons between 2021 and 2023. Then, scientists and experts spent another three years in the laboratory assembling, cleaning, and scientifically analyzing the skeleton.

Sotheby's head of science and natural history, Cassandra Hatton, noted that this result is the product of many years of work.

"Gus is not only a rare find but also a magnificent specimen that has been highly excavated, documented, prepared, and preserved," she said.

During the research, tooth marks were found on the dinosaur's skull, as well as ribs that had broken and healed during its lifetime. Scientists believe these injuries may have been sustained during fights with other dinosaurs or struggles for food.

This sale surpassed the record set in 2024 by Stegosaurus remains, and it is the first time dinosaur remains have been sold for over the $50 million mark.

Some scientists told the BBC that such sales could mark a new stage of interest in ancient fossils among ultra-wealthy collectors.

Experts note that the high price reflects not only rarity but also the immense labor and funds spent on excavation, restoration, and scientific study.

The previous record holder, "Apex" the Stegosaurus bought by billionaire Ken Griffin, was temporarily donated to the American Museum of Natural History for four years. Therefore, it is not excluded that the new owner of "Gus" might also loan it to a museum for display in the future.