A remarkable Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, known as ‘Gus,’ has set a new auction record, selling for $50.1 million. This sale occurred at the renowned Sotheby’s auction house in New York. With a height of 12 ½ feet and a length of 38 feet, ‘Gus’ is not only one of the largest but also one of the most complete T. rex specimens ever discovered.

Discovered in South Dakota in 2021, ‘Gus’ was named after property owner Gary Licking. This significant find has spurred interest from collectors and scientists alike. The auction attracted six bidders, with the winning bid placed by an anonymous participant over the phone. Originally estimated to bring in $20 to $30 million, the fossil exceeded expectations. The auctioneer, Phyllis Kao, encouraged higher bids, emphasizing the fossil’s allure and importance. Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s vice chair, praised the care and detail in ‘Gus’s’ excavation and presentation.

‘Gus is not only an exceptional find, but a specimen that has been excavated, documented, prepared, and cared for with real excellence.’

The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology has expressed a wish for the new owner to consider donating ‘Gus’ to a museum, ensuring public access and aiding scientific study. The fossil’s public display could enrich both educational and research opportunities.

This sale surpasses previous records, including a $45 million stegosaurus sold in 2024 and a $32 million T. rex named ‘Stan’ sold in 2020. ‘Apex,’ the former record-holding stegosaurus, is now on loan at the American Museum of Natural History, while ‘Stan’ is on display at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

Tyrannosaurus rex, meaning ‘King of the Tyrant Lizards,’ was a dominant predator during the late Cretaceous period. Known for its formidable size and powerful jaws, the T. rex has featured prominently in popular culture, from the ‘Jurassic Park’ films to children’s shows. During its time, it roamed regions of what is now western North America, thriving in environments rich with plant-eating dinosaurs.