The Record-Breaking Sale of “Apex” the Stegosaurus Fossil
Sotheby’s auction house recently made headlines with the sale of the iconic Stegosaurus fossil named Apex. Billed as “the finest Stegosaurus on the market,” this remarkable specimen fetched a staggering $45 million at auction, far surpassing the initial estimate of $4 to $6 million.
The Unveiling of Apex
The auction, which concluded on a Wednesday morning, culminated in a historic moment as Apex became the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction. Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s global head of science and popular culture, expressed her excitement, emphasizing the significance of the sale and the years of effort that led up to it.
A Closer Look at Apex
The Stegosaurus skeleton, approximately 161 million years old, stands at 11 feet tall and spans nearly 27 feet from nose to tail. Mounted on a custom steel frame in an aggressive attack stance, Apex is a rare and impressive specimen that showcases the beauty and grandeur of prehistoric life.
Apex’s Legacy Among Dinosaur Fossils
Apex’s sale marks a new record in the world of dinosaur fossils, eclipsing previous notable sales such as a Tyrannosaurus rex fossil sold for $8.4 million in 1997 and another T-rex skeleton sold for $32 million in 2020. Sotheby’s auction house has seen significant success in the sale of remarkable fossils, further solidifying its position as a leader in the auction of rare and valuable artifacts.
With Apex now finding a new home, the legacy of this incredible Stegosaurus fossil continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world, shedding light on the rich history of our planet and the fascinating creatures that once roamed the earth.
