Meet Gus, a 67‑million‑year‑old Tyrannosaurus rex poised to break records at auction. Comprising 183 fossil bones, the specimen is about 63% complete, representing up to 80% of the animal’s total bone mass—making it one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever found.
Gus stands out for its remarkably preserved skull, with 82% of its elements intact, including all six dentitions. Rare features include a furcula, complete humeri, and two well-preserved feet—something seen in only one other specimen. It also includes a fully preserved pelvis and an extensive axial skeleton.
Measuring around 38 feet long and 12.5 feet tall, with a femur larger than Stan’s, Gus ranks among the largest T. rex specimens. By comparison, Stan and Sue measure 40–42 feet and are just over 60% complete.
The Discovery of “Gus” in South Dakota
Tyrannosaurus rex inhabited western North America during the Maastrichtian age of the Late Cretaceous period. This epoch was characterized by elevated sea levels and warm temperatures, which generated extensive coastal floodplains capable of sustaining an exceptional biodiversity.
The fossil was discovered by Thomas Heitkamp and his team on land once owned by the late Gary “Gus” Licking, a cattle rancher in Harding County, South Dakota. Over the years, Licking had developed a deep connection to his property, and after repeatedly finding teeth and small bone fragments on the ranch, he came to suspect that something of real scientific value might lie beneath the surface.
Recognizing the need for specialized expertise, Licking partnered with Heitkamp’s team to undertake a meticulous paleontological excavation. Spanning three field seasons (2021–2023), the effort methodically revealed what would become one of the most significant discoveries in recent years. Leveraging his deep familiarity with the 6,500-acre property, Gary identified a promising search site early on—an insight that proved strikingly precise, as “Gus” was uncovered exactly where he had indicated. Tragically, Gary passed away just one year into the project, never witnessing the full revelation of his remarkable discovery. The fossil now bears his nickname, “Gus,” as a lasting tribute to his vision and indispensable contribution to the find.
Dinosaur Fossil Auction Records
The current auction record for dinosaur bones is held by ‘Apex,’ a Stegosaurus purchased by Ken Griffin at Sotheby’s two years ago for $44.6 million. The specimen is now on long-term loan to the American Museum of Natural History.
Exhibition and Sotheby’s Auction Details
Expertly prepared and anatomically correct, Gus’s superbly fossilized skeleton is displayed in a predatory stance on a custom steel frame With an estimated value of $20–30 million, ‘Gus’ will be exhibited at New York’s Breuer Museum from July 1–14, coinciding with Sotheby’s ‘Geek Week’ and showcasing major pieces from their Space Exploration and History of Science & Technology sales.
