Meet Nanotyrannus Jodi: Auction - The rare dinosaur once mistaken for a young T. rex that fetched $47.3 million
A rare Nanotyrannus skeleton named Jodi sold for $47.3 million at Sotheby's in New York, becoming the second-most expensive dinosaur fossil ever auctioned. Once mistaken for a juvenile T. rex, the specimen has reignited debate over private fossil ownership and scientific access.
Jodi, a rare Nanotyrannus dinosaur skeleton, was auctioned for $47.3 million at Sotheby's in New York, becoming the second most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold. The specimen was initially mistaken for a juvenile T. rex, but recent research revealed it as a distinct dinosaur genus. The 19.6-foot-long and 9.6-foot-tall Jodi sold after six bidders competed for 12 minutes, surpassing the expected price range of $6 million to $9 million.
Only three relatively complete Nanotyrannus skeletons are known to science, making Jodi a unique find. The skeleton was discovered in 2019 by Montana rancher Jodi Pierson and later excavated by commercial paleontologist Clayton Phipps. Jodi will be sold with full rights, allowing its new owner to create and sell replicas. The sale has reignited discussions about the ownership and preservation of scientifically significant fossils.
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