Rare Nanotyrannus skeleton auctioned for record-breaking price, sparking scientific debate

Consensus Summary

A rare Nanotyrannus skeleton named 'Jodi' sold at Sotheby’s New York auction for $US47.3 million ($A67.9 million), making it the second most valuable fossil ever auctioned. The 12-minute bidding war involved six contenders, far exceeding the initial estimate of $US6 to $US9 million. The specimen, discovered in 2019 in Montana’s Hell Creek Formation, comprises 191 bone elements and is one of only three substantial Nanotyrannus skeletons known to science. Its sale underscores the growing market for high-value dinosaur fossils, with the buyer’s identity remaining undisclosed.

The Nanotyrannus, a smaller relative of the Tyrannosaurus rex, lived 67 million years ago and is distinguished by over 150 morphological differences from its larger cousin. The specimen’s discovery in 2019 by Montana rancher Jodi Pierson and its excavation by paleontologist Clayton Phipps highlights the ongoing debate over whether Nanotyrannus is a distinct species or a juvenile T. rex. The Hell Creek Formation, where the fossil was found, has yielded other significant discoveries, including the first T. rex skeleton in 1902 and the 'Dueling Dinosaurs' in 2006, which feature a Triceratops and a smaller tyrannosaur.

Scientists expressed mixed reactions to the sale. Steve Brusatte, a paleontology professor, criticized the auction, stating that the specimen could disappear into private collections rather than being displayed in museums for public and scientific study. David Hone, another paleontologist, questioned the sustainability of rising fossil prices, suggesting a potential market bubble. Meanwhile, Thomas R Holtz Jr argued that the funds from the sale could support multiple museums more effectively than acquiring a single specimen, emphasizing the risk of private ownership limiting scientific access.

While both sources agree on the core details of the auction, they differ slightly in phrasing and emphasis. The Guardian specifies that the bidding occurred 'this week' and 'on Tuesday,' while 7NEWS focuses on the July record set by the T. rex skeleton 'Gus.' The Guardian also highlights the auction’s unveiling 'earlier this month' in Manhattan, whereas 7NEWS provides additional context about the excavation process and the 'Dinosaur Cowboy’ involved. These differences reflect varying editorial priorities but do not contradict the central facts of the sale.

The sale has reignited debates about the ethical implications of auctioning scientifically valuable fossils. Critics argue that such transactions remove specimens from public access, hindering research and education. The Guardian notes that the total cost of excavating and preparing the skeleton was likely around $1 million, far less than the sale price, raising questions about the long-term value of private ownership. Meanwhile, the identity of the buyer remains unknown, leaving unresolved whether the specimen will be donated to a museum or kept in private hands, further complicating its scientific and public legacy.