Miniature T. rex fossil ‘Jodi’ sells for $47.3 million at auction, becoming the world’s second-priciest dinosaur skeleton
This price exceeded the auction house’s estimate of $6 to $9 million.
Nicknamed “Jodi,” the fossil is now the second most expensive dinosaur skeleton ever sold, following the T. rex named “Gus,” which sold for $50.1 million this summer.
The new owner remains anonymous after successfully bidding against five others during a 12-minute live auction.
A Nanotyrannus was about half the length of a full-grown T. rex and existed alongside it during the Cretaceous period approximately 67 million years ago.
Nanotyrannus is characterised by longer forelimbs, larger hand claws, and blade-like teeth.
Only three such skeletons are known to exist, with “Jodi” measuring 6.5 feet (2 meters) tall and nearly 20 feet (6 meters) long.
The fossil has been displayed at Sotheby’s Manhattan headquarters and is considered around 70% complete.
It was discovered in 2019 by rancher Jodi Pierson in Montana.
Sotheby’s expressed gratitude to the fossil hunters featured in the Discovery Channel documentary series “Dino Hunters,” who contributed to the discovery and excavation of “Jodi.”
Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s head of science and natural history, praised the team’s efforts as significant for science.
Some scientists argue against private sales of fossils like “Jodi,” advocating for their display in museums for public and research access.
Research published last year confirmed Nanotyrannus as a distinct genus, settling long-standing debates about its classification.
