67-Million-Year-Old T. rex Fossil Sells For Over RM220 Million, Sets New World Record
‘Gus’ Becomes The Most Expensive Dinosaur Fossil Ever Sold
A 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex) fossil has made history after selling for US$50.1 million (approximately RM220 million) during a Sotheby’s auction in New York. The sale makes “Gus” the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever auctioned. Standing over 12 feet (4 metres) tall, Sotheby’s described Gus as one of the most complete T. rex specimens ever discovered, with more than 60% of its original skeletal structure successfully preserved.
Seven Bidders Battled For 10 Minutes
The auction drew intense competition, with seven bidders participating online, by telephone and in person. After a dramatic 10-minute bidding war, the final hammer price far exceeded Sotheby’s initial estimate of between US$20 million and US$30 million. The identity of the successful buyer has not been revealed. Gus was first discovered in 2021 on a remote ranch in Harding County, South Dakota. Excavation took place over three summer seasons between 2021 and 2023, while scientists spent another three years carefully reconstructing the fossil.
Fossil Reveals Signs Of Ancient Battles
Laboratory analysis uncovered fascinating details about Gus’ life millions of years ago. Bite marks were found on its skull, while several healed rib fractures suggested the dinosaur survived serious injuries, possibly sustained during fights with other dinosaurs or while scavenging for food. According to Sotheby’s Global Head of Science and Natural History, Cassandra Hatton, the fossil represents years of meticulous excavation, documentation and preservation. The sale surpasses the previous record set by the Stegosaurus fossil “Apex” in 2024, becoming the first dinosaur fossil to sell for more than US$50 million. While some scientists have expressed concern that valuable fossils may increasingly end up in private collections, there remains hope that Gus could eventually be loaned to a museum for public exhibition and scientific research.
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