A rare and remarkably preserved stegosaurus skeleton, nicknamed “Apex,” has set a new record at auction, drawing significant attention from paleontology enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Sold for an astounding $44.6 million at Sotheby’s, the sale far exceeded initial estimates of $4-6 million and broke the previous record set by a Tyrannosaurus rex named Stan, which sold for $31.8 million in 2020. The anonymous buyer, identified as American by the auction house, outbid six other contenders for the prized fossil.
Following the momentous acquisition, the purchaser is said to have conveyed a strong sense of national pride, remarking, “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!” This sentiment was echoed by Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s Global Head of Science & Popular Culture, who told Newsweek, “I am thrilled that such an important specimen has now taken its place in history, some 150 million years since it roamed the planet.”
Apex’s journey to the auction block began with its discovery in Dinosaur, Colorado, in 2022 by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper. Measuring an impressive 11 feet tall and 27 feet long, the stegosaurus skeleton is one of the most complete specimens ever found. Its remarkable size and preservation made it a highly sought-after item at the auction.
Over the course of a year and a half, Apex was carefully excavated, restored, and prepared for display. The skeleton showed signs of arthritis, indicating that the dinosaur lived to an advanced age without suffering from combat-related injuries or post-mortem scavenging. “This sale has been years in the making, and at every turn, we have worked closely with Jason Cooper, from the moment of its discovery in Dinosaur, Colorado, to its sale in New York,” Hatton said.
Dinosaur fossil sales often spark debate within the paleontology community, with concerns about private ownership versus public display. In response to these concerns, the anonymous buyer has expressed intentions to loan the fossil to a U.S. institution. “This skeleton really does belong in a museum, where it can be conserved, studied by scientists, and put on display to inspire people from all walks of life,” stated Steve Brusatte, a professor of paleontology and evolution at the University of Edinburgh.
The stegosaurus, a herbivorous dinosaur from the late Jurassic period, lived approximately 145 to 152 million years ago. Recognizable by its distinctive double row of kite-shaped plates along its back and its spiked tail, the stegosaurus could grow up to 30 feet in length. The function of its plates is still debated, with theories suggesting they were used for thermoregulation or display.
Apex’s sale marks a significant moment in paleontology and highlights the enduring fascination with these prehistoric giants. As the fossil prepares to transition to a public institution, it promises to continue educating and inspiring future generations. The meticulous work involved in its discovery and restoration, coupled with the record-breaking auction result, underscores the importance of preserving such rare and invaluable specimens.
In the world of paleontology, each new discovery adds to our understanding of Earth’s distant past. The sale of Apex not only sets a new benchmark for fossil auctions but also serves as a reminder of the incredible stories locked within the bones of these ancient creatures. As Apex finds its new home, it will undoubtedly become a focal point for research, education, and public admiration.