A Tyrannosaurus rex (T-Rex) fossil believed to be 67 million years old has been sold for US$50.1 million (RM203.7 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in New York, setting a new world record for the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold.
Named Gus, the fossil stands more than 4 metres tall and is considered one of the most complete T-Rex specimens ever discovered, with over 60 per cent of its skeleton successfully restored.
Sotheby’s said the identity of the successful bidder has not been revealed.
The fossil was discovered at a remote ranch in South Dakota in 2021, with excavation work carried out over three summers between 2021 and 2023 due to the ground conditions being suitable for digging only during warmer months.
It took around three years for experts to carefully assemble and reconstruct Gus’ skeleton.
Sotheby’s Global Head of Science and Natural History, Cassandra Hatton, described Gus as an extraordinary discovery that was excavated, documented and preserved with a high level of professionalism.
The record-breaking sale surpassed the previous auction record held by a stegosaurus fossil sold in 2024.
Gus also became the first dinosaur specimen to surpass the US$50 million (RM203.3 million) mark at an auction.
