一具名为 Gus 的完整霸王龙（T. rex）化石即将在苏富比拍卖行进行拍卖。该标本被预估值高达 3000 万美元，起拍价不低于 1900 万美元 [1]。若成交，它将成为历史上最昂贵的恐龙化石，目前这一纪录由 2024 年以 4460 万美元售出的剑龙 Apex 保持 [1]。Gus 是迄今发现的最完整的霸王龙标本之一，其骨骼识别度已达 61% [1]。
然而，如此高昂的价格引发了科学界的担忧。伦敦自然历史博物馆教授 Susannah Maidment 指出，顶级科学期刊不接受对私人收藏化石的研究 [1]。她认为，如果该化石被富豪作为艺术品收藏而非用于科学研究和公众教育，将严重阻碍相关领域的进展 [1]。
A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named Gus is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's with an estimated value of $30 million, potentially making it the most expensive dinosaur fossil in history [1]. The specimen represents one of the most intact T. rex fossils ever discovered, with 61% of its bones identified [1]. At the upcoming sale, Gus has a starting bid of at least $19 million [1]. This valuation would surpass the current record held by Stegosaurus Apex, which sold for $44.6 million in 2024 [1]. However, such high prices raise concerns among scientists that wealthy collectors may treat fossils as art pieces rather than scientific resources [1]. Susannah Maidment, a professor at London's Natural History Museum, noted that top-tier science journals do not accept research on privately collected fossils [1].