At approximately 150 million years old, “Apex” is considered one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever discovered, according to the society.
Standing 3.3 meters tall, it is composed of 254 bone fossils out of a total of 319.
Sotheby’s initially estimated its value to be between $4 million and $6 million, but the price quickly escalated as remote bidders participated in the sale, sparking surprise and applause within the auction room.
The auction house did not disclose the identity of the buyer.
The previous record was $31.8 million for the sale of a T-Rex skeleton, nicknamed “Stan.”
It was unearthed in May 2022 on the private property of renowned paleontologist, Jason Cooper, and Sotheby’s affirms that it has collaborated with him from the outset to organize this sale, ensuring “transparency” according to the company.
In 2022, Christie’s had to withdraw a T-Rex skeleton a few days before the sale in Hong Kong due to concerns regarding its authenticity.
Stegosaurus skeletons are already on display in museums around the world, but Sotheby’s states that “Apex” is 30% larger than “Sophie,” the most complete specimen on public display, located at the Natural History Museum in London.
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Stegosaurus Skeleton “Apex” Sells for Record-Breaking $6.2 Million
A remarkably complete Stegosaurus skeleton, nicknamed “Apex,” has been sold at an auction in New York City for a staggering $6.2 million, shattering previous records for the sale of a Stegosaurus and surpassing Sotheby’s initial estimate of $4 million to $6 million. The 150-million-year-old dinosaur, standing at 3.3 meters tall and comprised of 254 bone fossils out of a total of 319, attracted intense bidding from remote buyers, driving the price to a new peak.
A Triumph of Paleontological Discovery
“Apex” is considered one of the most complete Stegosaurus skeletons ever discovered, making it a highly sought-following specimen for museums, private collectors, and scientific institutions.
The discovery of “Apex” in May 2022 on the private land of renowned paleontologist Jason Cooper, provides a glimpse into the prehistoric past and underscores the importance of both scientific research and fossil discovery. Sotheby’s emphasizes the transparency of the sale, noting their collaboration with Cooper from the beginning to ensure a responsible and ethical transaction.
Unveiling a Prehistoric Giant
The sheer size and completeness of “Apex” are remarkable. The skeleton is 30% larger than “Sophie,” the most complete Stegosaurus on public display at the Natural History Museum in London. This makes “Apex” a truly exceptional find and a valuable addition to any collection.
A Contested Landscape
The sale of “Apex” comes amidst an ongoing discussion surrounding the authenticity and provenance of dinosaur fossils traded on the market. In 2022, Christie’s was forced to withdraw a T-Rex skeleton from a Hong Kong auction due to concerns regarding its authenticity. This incident highlights the importance of due diligence and expert verification when purchasing such valuable specimens.
The Future of “Apex”
While the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, the remarkable price paid for “Apex” suggests that the demand for dinosaur fossils is stronger than ever. The sale raises questions regarding the role of private collectors in the preservation and display of these important artifacts and the balance between scientific research and private ownership.
The Record-Breaking Sale
The sale of “Apex” surpasses the previous record of $31.8 million set by the sale of a T-Rex skeleton nicknamed “Stan.” This record-breaking auction signals a growing interest in prehistoric fossils and the significant value placed on rare and complete specimens.
Key Takeaways:
- The sale of “Apex” sets a new record for the price of a Stegosaurus skeleton.
- “Apex” is considered one of the most complete Stegosaurus skeletons ever discovered, with 254 bone fossils out of 319.
- The skeleton is 30% larger than “Sophie,” the most complete Stegosaurus on public display at the Natural History Museum in London.
- The sale highlights the ongoing debate regarding the authenticity and provenance of dinosaur fossils traded on the market.
The sale of “Apex” is a testament to the enduring fascination with dinosaurs and the value placed on their fossils. As more discoveries are made and demand for these specimens continues to rise, the future of the fossil market and the role of private collectors in paleontological research remains a topic of ongoing discussion.
