local
Rare T. rex fossil sells for record $50.1 million at auction
By Jacopo Prisco at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton from South Dakota has become the worlds most expensive fossil sold at auction, after fetching a record $50,130,000 at Sothebys in New York Tuesday.The skeleton, which is about 67 million years old, is nicknamed Gus after the late Gary Gus Licking, a cattle rancher fro...
Key takeaway The skeleton, which is about 67 million years old, is nicknamed Gus after the late Gary Gus Licking, a cattle rancher from Harding County, South Dakota, who owned the land where the specimen was found.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The record-breaking sale of the T. rex fossil, Gus, has significant implications for the scientific community in Nashville . As paleontologists worry that fossils in private hands are lost to science, local researchers and students may face limited access to study and learn from such valuable specimens. Nashville's own educational institutions and museums may be affected by this trend, potentially hindering the advancement of knowledge in the field of paleontology. The fact that Gus was sold to a private buyer, rather than being acquired by a public institution, raises concerns about the future of scientific research and education in the city. Furthermore, the sale of fossils like Gus and Apex the Stegosaurus, which is currently on loan at New York's Museum of Natural History, highlights the need for local museums and institutions to secure funding and support to acquire and preserve such significant specimens for the benefit of the community.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton from South Dakota has become the worlds most expensive fossil sold at auction, after fetching a record $50,130,000 at Sothebys in New York Tuesday.The skeleton, which is about 67 million years old, is nicknamed Gus after the late Gary Gus Licking, a cattle rancher fro...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jacopo Prisco at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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