The Record-Breaking Sale of Stegosaurus “Apex” at Sotheby’s Auction House
Sotheby’s auction house recently made headlines with the sale of the iconic Stegosaurus skeleton named “Apex,” which fetched a staggering $45 million. This sale shattered all previous records for dinosaur fossils, far surpassing Sotheby’s initial estimate of $4 million to $6 million.
The Finest Stegosaurus on the Market
Described as “the finest Stegosaurus on the market,” Apex captivated bidders from around the world, leading to a fierce auction that ended with a historic price tag. The skeleton, mounted on a custom steel frame in an aggressive attack stance, is approximately 161 million years old, 11 feet tall, and nearly 27 feet long from nose to tail.
A Piece of Prehistoric History
Excavated between 2022 and 2023 on private land near the town of Dinosaur in Moffat County, Colorado, Apex remains virtually intact, showcasing signs of arthritis that hint at a long and eventful life. This remarkable specimen offers a rare glimpse into the world of dinosaurs and has now become the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction.
The Evolution of Dinosaur Fossil Auctions
Apex is not the first dinosaur to command a high price at auction. In 1997, a Tyrannosaurus rex fossil sold for $8.4 million, followed by another T. rex skeleton in 2020 that fetched $32 million. In 2022, Sotheby’s auctioned off a human dragon skeleton for over $6 million, showcasing the enduring popularity and fascination with prehistoric artifacts.
Overall, the sale of Apex at Sotheby’s represents a significant milestone in the world of paleontology and auctions, cementing the value and allure of these ancient treasures.
