At a Sotheby’s auction in New York City, a monumental moment in palaeontology and auction history unfolded as the skeleton of a stegosaurus, affectionately named Apex, fetched an astounding $44.6 million (£34 million). This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a fossil, underscoring the remarkable appeal and rarity of such finds in the scientific and collector communities.
Standing at an impressive 11 feet tall and stretching 27 feet from nose to tail, Apex is hailed as one of the most complete stegosaurus skeletons ever unearthed. Sotheby’s described it as ranking among the finest specimens ever to appear at auction, a sentiment echoed by the seven buyers who eagerly participated in the bidding war that culminated in applause after a brisk 15-minute auction session.
Discovered serendipitously in 2022 near Dinosaur, Colorado, by palaeontologist Jason Cooper, Apex owes its nickname to its formidable size, which would have made it a dominant presence during the Late Jurassic Period, approximately 150 million years ago. Its impeccable preservation and completeness contributed to exceeding the auction’s pre-sale estimates by more than 11 times, a testament to its scientific and historical significance.
The identity of the buyer remains anonymous, though they expressed a commitment to keeping Apex within the United States, potentially on loan to a prestigious American institution. This decision underscores the cultural and educational value associated with such fossils, enhancing public access to and appreciation of natural history.
Previously, the record for the highest auction price for a dinosaur fossil was held by “Stan,” a Tyrannosaurus Rex that sold for $31.8 million in 2020. Apex’s sale not only surpasses this record but also underscores the enduring fascination and investment potential of exceptional fossil specimens, bridging the realms of science, art, and cultural heritage on a global stage.