Dubbed “Apex,” the 150-million-year-old dinosaur specimen exceeds expectations, setting a new benchmark in fossil auction history

In a historic moment for palaeontology enthusiasts and collectors alike, the largest and most complete stegosaurus fossil ever unearthed, affectionately nicknamed “Apex,” fetched a staggering $44.6 million at Sotheby’s auction in New York. Surpassing its pre-sale estimate by over 11 times, this sale marks a significant milestone as the highest-priced fossil ever sold at auction.

Discovered on private land in Moffat County, Colorado, by commercial palaeontologist Jason Cooper in 2022, “Apex” stands at an impressive 3.4 meters (11 feet) tall and stretches 8.2 meters (27 feet) in length from nose to tail. These dimensions make it over 30% larger than “Sophie,” the previously most intact stegosaurus specimen housed at London’s Natural History Museum.

The winning bid came from an anonymous buyer who expressed intentions to lend “Apex” to a prominent U.S. institution, affirming, “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!”

Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s global head of science and popular culture, described the auction as a culmination of years of meticulous preparation, from the fossil’s discovery in Dinosaur, Colorado, to its prestigious sale in New York. She emphasized the significance of “Apex” in paleontological history, highlighting its unparalleled completeness among stegosaurus specimens known to date.

The fossil, comprising 254 out of an estimated 319 bone elements, belonged to a robust adult stegosaurus that exhibited signs of rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting it lived to an advanced age. Remarkably well-preserved in hard sandstone, the skeleton showed no signs of combat injuries or postmortem scavenging, further enhancing its scientific value.

“Apex” was the centrepiece of Sotheby’s natural history auction, which also featured meteorites, minerals, and for the first time, paleolithic tools. The event culminated in a record-breaking total of $45.8 million (£35.2 million), making it the highest-grossing natural history auction in history.

Analysis:

• Scientific Impact: “Apex” offers unprecedented insights into the anatomy and life history of stegosaurs, shedding light on their growth patterns, longevity, and prevalence of arthritis among ancient dinosaurs.
• Cultural Significance: The record-breaking auction underscores the enduring fascination with dinosaurs and the cultural value placed on rare fossil specimens, highlighting their role in public education and scientific discovery.
• Economic Influence: The exorbitant price fetched by “Apex” reflects a robust market for rare and well-preserved dinosaur fossils, driven by collectors, museums, and institutions seeking to acquire unique artefacts for study and display.
• Environmental Conservation: Auctions like Sotheby’s Natural History sale raise awareness about the importance of preserving fossil-rich sites and supporting responsible paleontological practices to safeguard Earth’s ancient treasures.

Educational Outreach: The visibility of “Apex” in public and academic institutions will likely inspire future generations of scientists and enthusiasts, fostering a deeper appreciation for Earth’s prehistoric past and the ongoing quest for scientific knowledge