T. rex Skeleton Sold for $31.8 Million Now on Display in Abu Dhabi
What Happened?
Stan Sacrison discovered a T. rex fossil in South Dakota in 1987. The skeleton, named Stan, sold for $31.8 million in 2020 and is now displayed at the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi.
Key points
- Stan Sacrison found the T. rex fossil in 1987 in South Dakota's Hell Creek Formation.
- The skeleton was misidentified as a Triceratops until 1992.
- Stan is approximately 11.7 meters long and is one of the most complete T. rex skeletons.
- The skeleton sold for $31.8 million at a Christie's auction in October 2020.
- The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opened in November 2025, showcasing Stan in a dramatic display.
Key insights
- The high auction price reflects the growing interest in dinosaur fossils among collectors.
- Stan's display in Abu Dhabi may attract more visitors to the Natural History Museum.
- The fossil's injuries provide insights into the violent interactions of T. rex during its lifetime.
Why it matters
The sale and display of Stan highlight the importance of fossils in understanding prehistoric life.
Tags
Entities
Source
Times of India