Rare Jodi Dinosaur Skeleton Sells for $47.3 Million at New York Auction
A rare dinosaur skeleton known as “Jodi” sold for $47.3 million (approximately 1.6 billion baht) at a New York auction house, sparking a fresh debate among scientists over private ownership of significant fossils, Thairath reported. Six bidders competed for the specimen during a 12-minute bidding war, though the auction house has not yet revealed the identity of the winning buyer.
Standing about three meters tall, the specimen comprises approximately 191 individual bones including a remarkably complete skull. It represents one of only three known skeletons of its kind discovered globally and the first to enter the commercial auction market. Sotheby’s described the skeleton as an exceptionally valuable asset prepared specifically for display.
Discovery at Hell Creek Formation Upends Decades of Classification
The fossil was originally discovered by rancher Jodi Pearson within the Hell Creek Formation in Montana, United States. Private paleontologist Creighton Phipps excavated the remains, which initial assessments misidentified as a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex. A scientific study published in 2025 formally reclassified the specimen as a distinct species, finally putting decades of scientific debate to rest.
In reality, the newly classified dinosaur was smaller and more slender, featuring blade-like teeth adapted for slicing flesh.
Scientific Community Responds to Private Acquisition
The multimillion-dollar sale to an anonymous private buyer has intensified concerns among researchers that vital scientific specimens will vanish into private vaults rather than remaining accessible in public museums.
Brusatte emphasized that losing access to one of the finest known specimens deprives children, families, and researchers of the opportunity to study it. Conversely, Jenkins defended the commercial side of paleontology, noting that excavation requires immense time, energy, and financial investment. She added that many high-value fossils purchased at auctions eventually find their way into public institutions through donations or exhibition loans.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Jodi Dinosaur Auction
Who found the Jodi dinosaur skeleton?
The fossil was discovered by rancher Jodi Pearson in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana, United States, and subsequently excavated by private paleontologist Creighton Phipps.
How many complete skeletons of this dinosaur exist?
Jodi is one of only three known skeletons of its specific classification discovered anywhere in the world, and it marks the very first time such a specimen has appeared on the open auction market.
Why was the skeleton misidentified for decades?
Early assessments mistook the fossilized remains for a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex due to similarities in the bone structure, a misconception that persisted until a 2025 research study confirmed it as a distinct species.
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