United KingdomDinosaur Fossil Auction
Sotheby's to auction rare Nanotyrannus skeleton, estimated at $6-9 million. The fossil is one of only three known skeletons of its kind.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Sotheby's will auction a rare Nanotyrannus skeleton, known as 'Jodi', on 27 October. The fossil is estimated to be worth $6-9 million.
The Nanotyrannus is a distinct genus, confirmed last year, and 'Jodi' is the first to be auctioned since then. It is approximately 6.5 feet tall and 19.6 feet long.
The skeleton has a virtually complete skull and is considered the finest and most complete Nanotyrannus available. It will be on public display at Sotheby's galleries in New York from 13 October.
Nanotyrannus was a fast and specialized carnivorous tyrannosaurid that lived alongside Tyrannosaurus rex around 67 million years ago. It has over 150 morphological differences that distinguish it from its larger cousin.
Some of the key differences between Nanotyrannus and Tyrannosaurus rex include body length, forelimb length, and the number of teeth. Nanotyrannus had proportionally longer forelimbs and larger hand claws than T. rex.
The auction follows the record-breaking sale of 'Gus', a dinosaur fossil that sold for $50.1 million at Sotheby's New York earlier this year.
Sotheby's will hold a dedicated live auction for 'Jodi' on 27 October, with the public exhibition opening on 13 October at the Breuer in New York.
Key facts
- Sotheby's to auction rare Nanotyrannus skeleton, 'Jodi', on 27 October
- Estimated value: $6-9 million
- One of only three known skeletons of its kind
- Nanotyrannus confirmed as distinct genus last year
Three perspectives
Neutral
The auction of 'Jodi' is a significant event for dinosaur fossil collectors and enthusiasts. The sale will be closely watched to see if it reaches its estimated value. The public exhibition will provide a rare opportunity to see the fossil up close.
Positive
The auction of 'Jodi' is a chance for collectors to own a rare and significant piece of dinosaur history. The sale could also raise awareness and interest in dinosaur fossils and the field of paleontology.
Negative
The auction of 'Jodi' has raised concerns about the commercialization of dinosaur fossils and the potential for them to be lost to private collectors. The sale could also be seen as a reflection of the growing trend of treating dinosaur fossils as commodities.
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