'$44.6 million Apex': Most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold takes center stage in New York
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Skeleton on Display in New York
The most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold at auction, a Stegosaurus skeleton named "Apex," is now on public display at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City.
"Apex" Fossil Discovered in Colorado
The Stegosaurus skeleton, which was unearthed in May 2022 near Dinosaur, Colorado, is approximately 150 million years old, having lived during the late Jurassic period in the Morrison Formation.
Notable for Its Remarkable Completeness
Apex is one of the most complete Stegosaurus fossils ever discovered, with around 80% of its skeleton intact, providing valuable insights into the dinosaur’s growth and development.
Size and Display of Apex
The skeleton is 11.5 feet tall and 27 feet long, with the specimen positioned in a defensive pose with its spiked tail raised high.
Purchased by Hedge Fund Manager
The skeleton was bought by billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin for $44.6 million at auction in July 2024, making it the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold, surpassing the previous record held by the T. rex "Stan."
Public Access to the Fossil
Although the specimen is owned by Griffin, it has been loaned to AMNH, where it will be displayed for four years. After this period, a cast will replace the original bones for continued public display.
Research and Scientific Study
Griffin has funded a three-year postdoctoral fellowship for scientific research on Apex, with a focus on identifying its species and studying the metabolism and growth patterns of Stegosauruses.
Previous Auction Record
Apex broke the record set by Stan, the T. rex, which was sold in 2020 for $31.8 million. Stan was later displayed in Abu Dhabi and will appear in a National History Museum in 2025.