Sotheby’s is auctioning a Tyrannosaurus: estimates of up to $30 million
The dinosaur Gus is to be auctioned in New York: it is a record-breaking fossil
A giant from the Cretaceous period is set to dominate the international auction market. “Gus”, an extraordinary specimen of Tyrannosaurus Rex dating back some 67 million years, will take centre stage at the upcoming natural history auction organised by Sotheby’s in New York on 14 July.
The estimates speak for themselves: the fossil could be worth between 20 and 30 million dollars (but it actually sold for at 50.1 million dollars, ed.).
According to Sotheby’s, “Gus” is one of the largest and most complete T-Rexes ever discovered.
The skeleton contains 183 fossilised bone elements, including an exceptionally well-preserved skull, almost complete hind limbs and a rare pair of humeri.
Details of the dinosaur
Overall, the fossil is approximately 63 per cent complete, an extraordinary figure for a prehistoric predator of this size. The discovery was made in South Dakota, in Harding County, on land belonging to the rancher Gary “Gus” Licking, after whom the dinosaur is named.
