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'Gus' the T. rex presented in New York ahead of auction

Valued at between $20 million to $30 million -- the highest price estimate ever for a dinosaur -- the giant fossil was discovered on a cattle ranch in South Dakota in 2021.

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A videographer documents "Gus", a mounted Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, one of the largest T. rex ever found, during a press preview at the Sotheby's Breuer building in New York, on July 1, 2026. The 67-million-year-old skeleton, found during an excavation on private land in South Dakota and comprising 183 fossil bones, representing up to 80% of the animal’s total bone mass, making it one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever found, will be put to auction as part of the "Summer Season at the Breuer" from late June through mid-August 2026. TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP

2026-07-02 10:30:11

One of the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons, nicknamed "Gus," was showcased Wednesday at Sotheby's auction house in New York ahead of its sale later this month.

Valued at between $20 million to $30 million -- the highest price estimate ever for a dinosaur -- the giant fossil was discovered on a cattle ranch in South Dakota in 2021. 

"Gus" lived during the Maastrichtian period, some 72 to 66 million years ago, which was characterized by a warm climate, high sea levels and vast floodable coastal plains. 

The skeleton measures 38 feet (11.6 meters) in body length, making it one of the largest T. rexes ever discovered. It has 183 fossilized bones and is roughly 63 percent complete.

"Gus" is on view in New York until July 14, when the auction will take place.

© Agence France-Presse

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