Ankara: One of the largest fossilized Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found sold for a record $50.1 million, including fees, at Sotheby's in New York on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the fossil, nicknamed 'Gus' after the owner of the land where it was discovered, was found in the Hell Creek Formation in Harding County, South Dakota. Measuring approximately 38 feet (11.5 meters) in body length, 'Gus' features a 54 inch (137 centimeter) skull and a 50.39 inch (128 centimeter) femur, standing at 12 1/2 feet (3.8 meters) tall, as detailed in Sotheby's auction lot description.

'Gus' comprises 183 fossil bone elements and is approximately 61% complete by bone count, with the bones representing 75-80% of the animal's bone mass, making it one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever discovered. Excavated between 2021 and 2023, the fossil is estimated to be 67 million years old.

The skeleton exceeded its pre-sale estimate of $20 to $30 million, surpassing the previous record held by a stegosaurus called Apex, which sold for $44.6 million at Sotheby's in 2024.