Jodi has a buyer, but future research access remains unclear
· BehindLines newsroom
The fossil nicknamed Jodi found a buyer in New York on 27 October. Observer reports a sale result of 47.3 million US dollars at Sotheby's, following competition among six bidders. The sale settles the question of price; it does not yet establish whether people will be able to see or study the specimen in future.
The estimate and the reported result
AP's report, published by ABC News on 27 October, gives Sotheby's estimate as six to nine million dollars. The final amount remains attributed to press reports. No currency conversion or comparison of prices excluding fees is offered.
Our article of 17 October presented Jodi before the auction; this follow-up covers the result of the 27 October sale. The range announced before bidding must now be distinguished from the amount reported after the sale.
A mounted skeleton with a changing identification
Observer places the fossil in Montana's Hell Creek Formation and dates it to around 67 million years ago. The mount includes restored components, some produced by three-dimensional printing: the displayed outline is not made up entirely of fossilised bones.
Observer also recalls that the specimen was exhibited in 2023 as a young T. rex. Observer now presents it as a Nanotyrannus; this identification should be kept separate from its presentation in 2023.
The destination still needs documenting
Observer sets out opposing views on these sales: private excavation can fund fossil recovery, while researchers fear losing access to specimens.
The sale result establishes neither a future museum loan nor a permanent loss from public view. The conditions under which Jodi might be viewed, displayed or studied after the auction remain to be documented. A financial result alone cannot establish the arrangements for future research or the terms of any public display.