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T. rex fossil 'Gus' sells for millions at NYC auction
USA Today • • technology
Key Points:
- The nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil named Gus sold for $50.1 million at a Sotheby's auction on July 14, setting a new record as the most expensive fossil ever sold.
- Gus, approximately 67 million years old, is about 61% complete, making it one of the largest and most complete T. rex fossils discovered, alongside famous specimens Sue and Stan.
- The fossil was discovered between 2021 and 2023 in Harding County, South Dakota, on land owned by cattle rancher Gary "Gus" Licking, who partnered with paleontologist Thomas Heitkamp for the excavation.
- Seven bidders competed for Gus over a 10-minute auction at Sotheby's Natural History live event, which also featured other significant fossils and kicked off the auction house's "Geek Week."
- Prior to the auction, Gus was displayed publicly at a Sotheby's New York gallery, offering visitors a rare opportunity to view the specimen before its record-breaking sale.
