# Nanotyrannus skeleton sells for $47.3m

> Rare dinosaur skeleton sold at auction for $47.3m, sparking debate over fossil ownership.
- Title: Nanotyrannus skeleton sells for $47.3m · BBC News | Shortify
- Summary: Rare dinosaur skeleton sold at auction for $47.3m, sparking debate over fossil ownership. Sotheby's sold a Nanotyrannus skeleton named Jodi for $47.3m…
- Keywords: nanotyrannus, sotheby's, dinosaur, fossil, auction, museum, t. rex, BBC News
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.com/news/articles/cmx28de233r2o
- Published: 2026-10-27T17:10:15.426+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nanotyrannus, sotheby's, dinosaur, fossil, auction, museum, t. rex, science
## Jodi sold for $47.3m
Sotheby's auctioned a Nanotyrannus skeleton named Jodi for $47.3m in New York, making it the second-most valuable dinosaur fossil ever sold.
## Jodi's background
The 10-foot-tall skeleton was discovered in Montana by rancher Jodi Pierson and later excavated by palaeontologist Clayton Phipps.
## Jodi's classification
Scientists initially thought Jodi was a young T. rex but later classified it as a separate genus, Nanotyrannus.
## Jodi's significance
Jodi is one of only three known Nanotyrannus skeletons and the first to come to market since its genus was confirmed in October 2024.
## Auction context
The sale follows Sotheby's record $50.1m T. rex auction in July and a Stegosaurus sold for $44.6m in July 2024.
## Scientific debate
Palaeontologists argue that private ownership of fossils could limit public access and scientific study, while others say specimens will eventually enter museums.
## Concerns about Jodi
Experts warn that Jodi's sale could lead to it being hidden from public view, affecting education and scientific research.
## Key takeaway

Sotheby's sold a Nanotyrannus skeleton named Jodi for $47.3m, making it the second-most valuable dinosaur fossil ever, while scientists debate whether such finds should be privately owned or publicly displayed.