Mystery bidder buys T. rex nicknamed 'Gus' for a record $50 million

National Mystery bidder buys T. rex nicknamed 'Gus' for a record $50 million July 15, 20262:25 AM ET By  The Associated Press This undated photo provided by Sotheby's on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, shows "Gus," one of the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever discovered. Matthew Sherman/Sotheby's via AP hide caption toggle caption Matthew Sherman/Sotheby's via AP NEW YORK — A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil billed as one of the world's largest and most complete specimens was sold for a record $50.1 million Tuesday to a mystery bidder. Science Researchers unearth Southeast Asia's largest dinosaur Sotheby's said the 67-million-year-old fossil, nicknamed "Gus," is now the most expensive set of dinosaur bones ever auctioned off, besting the almost $45 million price tag for a nearly complete stegosaurus sold by the same New York auction house in 2024. The previous record holder had been a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton nicknamed "Stan" that sold for nearly $32 million in 2020. "Gus is not only an exceptional find, but a specimen that's been excavated, documented, prepared, and cared for with real excellence," Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's vice chair, said after the sale was completed. "The market responds when great specimens are taken care of in the right way." Sponsor Message Why the bidding for this T. rex was intense Standing upright with its tail extended and right foot slightly raised, "Gus" is an adult dinosaur specimen measuring about 12 ½ feet (3.8 meters) tall and 38 feet (11.5 meters) long. He's about 61% complete, with what Sotheby's describes as an "exceptionally preserved" skull including a gaping jaw of powerful teeth, two "well represented" feet and a number of rarely found bones, including a furcula, or wishbone. The fossil was discovered in 2021 on a ranch in South Dakota and named in honor of property owner Gary Licking, who died during the roughly five year excavation, restoration and mounting process. National Want to own a real T. rex? It c...