Sotheby's Will Auction Rare Dinosaur Skeleton in New York

The Nanotyrannus specimen known as Jodi is expected to fetch up to $9 million at an auction in late October.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Collecting

Screen-print poster illustration of a dinosaur skeleton on a steel armature, evoking the scientific and commercial interest in rare prehistoric fossils. — Sotheby's will auction a rare Nanotyrannus dinosaur skeleton in New York this October, with bids expected to reach up to $9 million. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sotheby's will auction a rare Nanotyrannus skeleton in New York at the end of October 2026. Experts estimate the specimen, nicknamed Jodi, will sell for between $6 million and $9 million.

Why it matters

The high valuation reflects a persistent demand among wealthy collectors for scientifically significant and visually impressive fossils. This interest continues to drive a competitive market for rare prehistoric remains.

Jodi is one of only three known Nanotyrannus specimens and measures 6.5 feet tall by 19.6 feet long. The genus was confirmed as distinct from other theropods in a 2025 research paper.

The players

Sotheby's

This is a world-renowned fine art and luxury auction house that frequently handles the sale of high-value cultural and historical artifacts.

Jodi Pierson

She is a Montana rancher who discovered the Nanotyrannus skeleton on her property in 2019.

Clayton Phipps

He is a commercial palaeontologist who oversaw the professional excavation of the Jodi specimen.

The details

Discovered in Montana in 2019 by rancher Jodi Pierson, the skeleton was excavated by commercial palaeontologist Clayton Phipps. The auction follows high-profile fossil sales, including a Stegosaurus that sold for $44.6 million in 2024.

Jodi Pierson discovered the specimen in Montana in 2019.
A research paper confirmed the Nanotyrannus as a distinct genus in 2025.
Sotheby's will auction the skeleton at the end of October 2026.

Culture Shift

The auction reflects a broader trend of private collectors treating rare paleontology as blue-chip assets similar to fine art. This market evolution follows the record-breaking sale of the Apex Stegosaurus for $44.6 million in 2024.

While the auction is a high-level commercial event, it highlights New York City as a premier destination for the sale of significant scientific discoveries. Residents and enthusiasts can expect the specimen to be a focal point for the citys auction scene leading up to the sale.

The takeaway

The multi-million dollar valuation of dinosaur skeletons underscores how fossil collecting has shifted from academic pursuit to high-stakes investment. Prospective collectors should prioritize verified genus status when evaluating the long-term value of such rare specimens.