A rare fossilized skeleton of a Nanotyrannus, a smaller relative of the Tyrannosaurus rex, has been sold for a remarkable 47.3 million dollars at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. This high-profile sale makes the specimen the second most expensive fossil ever to be auctioned in history, sparking renewed debates among researchers.

The specimen, named Jodi, was initially estimated to fetch between 6 and 9 million dollars before the bidding began. The dramatic surge in price was driven by the exceptional preservation of the bones, as it represents one of only three relatively complete Nanotyrannus skeletons known to science. Discovered in 2019 by Montana farmer Jodi Pearson, the dinosaur stands approximately 2 meters tall and measures 6 meters in length.

For decades, scientists debated whether the Nanotyrannus was a distinct genus or merely a juvenile T. rex, with researchers only recently solidifying the classification as a separate species. However, the commercialization and sale of such a scientifically significant specimen to a private buyer drew sharp criticism from the paleontological community, who argue that important discoveries should remain accessible to the public rather than disappearing into private vaults.

The identity of the winning bidder has not been publicly disclosed. Along with the physical remains, the buyer acquired full rights to the specimen, meaning they retain the legal capability to sell casts and replicas to museums and other private collectors in the future.

Source: kun.uz