The auction held by Sotheby's for the nearly complete fossilized remains of a stegosaurus, known as 'Apex,' made headlines as it fetched a staggering $44.6 million. This remarkable sum far exceeded the initial estimate of $4 million to $6 million, setting a new record for dinosaur fossil sales. The buyer, an American individual whose identity remains undisclosed, secured the prized specimen after outbidding six other participants.
Considered one of the most complete stegosaur fossils ever discovered, Apex stands as a significant find in the field of paleontology. Measuring at 11 feet tall and 27 feet from nose to tail, this stegosaurus showcases distinctive features such as its iconic pointy plates along its back. The fossil's exceptional preservation has earned it the nickname 'a coloring book dinosaur.'
Apex's historical significance is not lost on experts, with Sotheby's highlighting its estimated age of 150 million years. The fossil exhibits signs of arthritis, indicating a long life for this ancient creature. The discovery of Apex was made in 2022 by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper on his property near Dinosaur, Colorado, a fitting location given the town's proximity to Dinosaur National Monument and the Utah border.
While the sale of dinosaur fossils at auctions like this one may generate excitement among collectors, it also sparks debate within the academic paleontology community. Some researchers express concerns that these valuable specimens should be housed in museums or research institutions rather than in private collections. In response to these sentiments, Sotheby's revealed that the buyer intends to explore options for loaning Apex to a U.S.-based institution, ensuring that this remarkable stegosaurus remains accessible for educational purposes.
