“Apex” Stegosaurus Fossil Fetches $44.6M
A stegosaurus fossil, nicknamed “Apex,” has set a new record by selling for $44.6 million at Sotheby’s in New York. This makes it the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction. Apex stands 11 feet tall and stretches 27 feet from nose to tail. It is over 30% larger than “Sophie,” the previous most complete specimen displayed in London’s Natural History Museum.
Jason Cooper, a commercial paleontologist, discovered Apex in 2022 on his property in Moffat County, Colorado, near the town of Dinosaur. Remarkably, this fossil contains 254 of the estimated 319 bone elements. Thus, it is one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever found.
Moreover, the skeleton, preserved in hard sandstone, shows signs of a long life, including rheumatoid arthritis. Interestingly, there are no combat injuries or scavenging marks.
An anonymous buyer purchased Apex and plans to loan it to a U.S. institution. The auction, which raised a total of $45.8 million, was Sotheby’s highest ever for a natural history event. The buyer expressed pride in the purchase, saying, “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!”
Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s global head of science and popular culture, commented on the sale. “‘Apex’ truly lived up to its name,” she said. “It inspired a global audience and became the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction. This sale has been years in the making, involving close work with Jason Cooper since its discovery.”
Furthermore, she added, “I am thrilled that such an important specimen has now secured its place in history, 150 million years after it roamed the planet. This extraordinary sale underscores our commitment to preserving these ancient treasures.”
In conclusion, Apex not only starred at the auction but also symbolizes the enduring allure and importance of paleontological discoveries. These discoveries are crucial in understanding Earth’s ancient past.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Guardian.
