THE entire skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex is to be auctioned in Europe.
The dinosaur — named TRX-293 Trinity — is about 67 million years old and could fetch £4.5million to £7.2million.
Zurich-based Koller Auctions say it is only the third time worldwide a full skeleton of such quality will go under the hammer — and the first time in Europe.
Trinity is 38ft long and just under 13ft high.
The more than 50 per cent original bone material comes from three T. rexes excavated between 2008 and 2013 in Montana and Wyoming.
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Dr Hans-Jakob Siber, of the Dinosaur Museum in Aathal, Switzerland, said: “It’s one of the most impressive mounts I’ve ever seen. The quality of the restoration breathes life into the specimen.”
Scientific advisor Nils Knötschke, one of the world's leading fossil preparators, says: "Dinosaur skulls are very rare; they are among the most valuable components of fossil skeletons.
"In fact, most dinosaurs are found without their skulls. But here we have original Tyrannosaurus skull bones, all from the same specimen.
"In all three specimens, the preparation was done very well, and the whole is very well preserved."
Seventy per cent complete T. rex “Stan” sold for £26million in 2020.