{
  "id": 16803853,
  "title": "Nanotyrannus skeleton sells for $47.3m at New York auction",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/nanotyrannus-skeleton-sells-for-47-3m-at-new-york-auction",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T21:37:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/nanotyrannus-skeleton-sells-for-47-3m-at-new-york-auction/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A newly identified dinosaur skeleton, initially mistaken for a young Tyrannosaurus rex, sold for an astounding $47.3 million (£35.5 million) at Sotheby's auction in New York. Nicknamed Jodi, the 10-foot-tall (3m) skeleton was auctioned after researchers confirmed it belongs to a distinct genus in October. The Late Cretaceous carnivore was expected to fetch at least $9 million but surprisingly surpassed expectations. Jodi was found by rancher Jodi Pierson on her Montana land in the Hell Creek Formation, a heavily studied geological site. Scientists debated whether dinosaur remains should be sold privately or displayed publicly, as this sale reignited the discussion. Sotheby's described Jodi as an \"excellent exhibition-ready\" skeleton, with around 191 fossil-bone elements and a beautifully preserved skull. The auction house stated that Nanotyrannus is one of only three such skeletons known to science. The specimen is the second-most valuable dinosaur fossil ever sold, behind Gus, a Tyrannosaurus rex sold for $50.1 million in July. The auction has sparked discussions about the future of fossil collecting and its impact on scientific research and public education.",
  "summary": "The mounted skeleton of a newly identified dinosaur once mistaken for a young Tyrannosaurus rex has sold at auction for a colossal $47.3m (£35.5m).",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Science",
        "title": "Nanotyrannus skeleton goes to auction in New York with £4.5m price tag",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/nanotyrannus-skeleton-goes-to-auction-in-new-york-with-4-5m-price-tag",
        "published": "2026-10-27T13:23:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian US",
        "title": "Rare Nanotyrannus skeleton sells for $47.3m at New York auction",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/rare-nanotyrannus-skeleton-sells-for-47-3m-at-new-york-auction",
        "published": "2026-10-27T21:40:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}