# Tyrannosaurus rex fossil sells for record-breaking price 67-million-year-old dinosaur fetches $50.1 million at auction - **Source:** [BBC News](https://brifing.si/source/647b890e-c85e-45b8-9588-ccfecdec4a99) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5235061e-733b-4e41-8c82-006d0c156677 ## Record-breaking dinosaur sale A 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex fossil sold for $50.1 million at Sotheby's auction in New York, setting a new record for dinosaur fossils. Nicknamed 'Gus', this specimen is one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever found, with approximately 60% of its bones recovered. ## Impressive physical characteristics The sold T. rex fossil stands 4 meters tall and measures 12 meters long. Discovered in South Dakota in 2021, the fossil holds significant scientific importance. Experts emphasize that such well-preserved T. rex specimens are extremely rare in the paleontological record. ## Auction details The winning bidder of Tuesday's record-breaking auction remains undisclosed. Sotheby's officials stated this sale has made waves in the paleontology community. Interest in dinosaur bones among collectors has seen substantial growth in recent years. ## Scientific value and controversies The sale of rare fossils to private collections sparks debate in scientific circles. Some experts argue such important specimens should be displayed in public museums. However, high prices continue to fuel the private collection market. ## Growth of the paleontology market The dinosaur fossil market has expanded significantly in recent years. Competition between millionaires and museums drives up prices for rare specimens. While a Triceratops skull sold for $7.7 million in 2018, Gus has now shattered that record. ## History's most valuable fossil This sale marks a new era in fossil collecting. The T. rex's iconic status and rarity have made it an investment asset. With increasing scientific and monetary value, fossils are now competing with fine art in the collector's market. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/ckg8gymjv7ro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._