The fossilised remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex have sold at auction in New York for US$50.1 million (A$71.8 million), setting a new record.

Press PLAY to hear Dr Stephen Poropat discuss the record-breaking dinosaur fossil sale

Known as “Gus”, the 67-million-year-old dinosaur is one of the largest and most complete specimens ever unearthed.

Curtin University School of Earth and Planetary Sciences palaeontologist Dr Stephen Poropat told 6PR Mornings host Simon Beaumont that it is a sad state of affairs when such a scientifically valuable fossil is sold into private hands.

“It saddens me greatly to see something that has scientific value, has public appeal being shut up in someone’s mansion”, he said.

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Image: Sotheby’s