Rare Nanotyrannus Skeleton 'Jodi' Fetches $47.3 Million at New York Auction
Jodi's Skeleton Sells for Record Price in New York
According to НВ — Техно: A rare dinosaur skeleton of a Nanotyrannus, nicknamed Jodi, was sold for an astonishing $47.3 million at an auction held in New York City. Recently recognized as a distinct genus closely related to the Tyrannosaurus rex, this specimen has become the second most expensive dinosaur skeleton ever auctioned.
The fossil was available for bidding at Sotheby's headquarters in Upper Manhattan starting early October. While auction organizers had predicted a final price between $6 million and $9 million, the outcome far surpassed expectations. The identity of the winning bidder remains confidential.
About the Nanotyrannus
Nanotyrannus, the genus to which Jodi belongs, was roughly half the length of a fully grown Tyrannosaurus rex. Both species lived approximately 67 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Compared to T. rex, Nanotyrannus featured proportionally longer front limbs, larger claws on its forelimbs, and more slender teeth. Jodi is one of only three known Nanotyrannus skeletons and measures about 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 meters) tall with a length nearing 20 feet (6 meters). Approximately 70% of the skeleton has been preserved.
The nickname 'Jodi' honors Jodi Pearson, the Montana ranch owner who discovered the fossil in 2019. Earlier, in summer 2026, another notable T. rex skeleton known as 'Gus' sold for $50.1 million at Sotheby's, highlighting the growing prominence of dinosaur fossils in the auction world. This sale marks a significant event for both paleontology enthusiasts and collectors.
The auction of Jodi's skeleton in New York underscores the expanding fascination with paleontology and the collecting of rare artifacts, reflecting not only their scientific importance but also their considerable commercial value.
The record-breaking price achieved for Jodi indicates a robust and potentially growing market for dinosaur fossils, attracting attention from investors and science aficionados alike.
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