Reptiles and amphibians
Nanotyrannus fossil sells for $47.3 million at auction
The rare Montana dinosaur skeleton, once mistaken for a young T. rex, becomes the second most valuable fossil ever sold at a public auction.
Reported by BBC News · · 2 min read
A well-preserved skeleton of a newly recognized predatory dinosaur named Nanotyrannus has fetched $47.3 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York. Bidding lasted 12 minutes among six competing parties before closing, although the identity of the buyer was not disclosed. The sale price far surpassed initial expectations, which anticipated bids starting around $9 million.
The fossil, nicknamed Jodi, stands approximately three meters high and includes roughly 191 bone elements along with a nearly complete skull. It represents one of only three known Nanotyrannus skeletons in existence. Initially displayed as a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex in London in late 2023, the specimen was reclassified after American researchers verified last October that Nanotyrannus is a distinct genus.
Distinct Species and Discovery
Palaeontologists note that while Nanotyrannus lived during the Late Cretaceous period alongside T. rex roughly 67 million years ago, it possessed a much smaller, more slender build with sharp teeth suited for cutting meat. The specimen was uncovered in Montana's Hell Creek Formation by landowner Jodi Pierson and later excavated by Clayton Phipps. Phipps previously discovered the famous Dueling Dinosaurs fossil nearby, which provided crucial evidence used by scientists Lindsay Zanno and James Napoli to establish Nanotyrannus as a separate species.
The auction makes Jodi the second most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold, behind a T. rex named Gus that achieved $50.1 million in July. A Stegosaurus called Apex previously took third place after selling for $44.6 million in July 2024.
Debate Over Private Fossil Sales
The multimillion-dollar transaction has renewed concerns among scientists regarding private fossil ownership. Palaeontologist Steve Brusatte expressed worry that priceless specimens could be tucked away in private collections rather than made available to public institutions, where researchers and the public can study and view them. Conversely, palaeontologist Megan Jacobs pointed out that excavating fossils requires considerable labor and resources, adding that many privately bought specimens ultimately end up in public museums.
