LARGEST STEGOSAURUS TO HIT AUCTION BLOCK, EXPECTED TO FETCH $6M

Sotheby’s

Thu 11 July 2024:

Apex, the largest and most complete stegosaurus ever found, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York next week, with an estimated value of up to $6 million. This 150-million-year-old skeleton, standing 11 feet tall and nearly 27 feet long, is 79-85% fossilized. Displayed at Sotheby’s until its sale on July 17, Apex has garnered significant interest due to its rarity.

‘Apex is the largest, most complete Stegosaurus ever found,’ said Cassandra Hatton, the global head of science and popular culture at Sotheby’s, where this well-preserved fossil could fetch up to an estimated $6 million at auction pic.twitter.com/T7TurL01Kl

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 11, 2024

Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s global head of science and popular culture, emphasized the uniqueness of the find. “Finding half of a dinosaur is considered a significant discovery. Sixty percent is incredible, and 70 to 80 percent grabs global attention.”

Despite the excitement, such fossil sales have faced criticism from scientists who believe these discoveries should be preserved in public institutions. Named to highlight its prominence, Apex was discovered in May 2022 by palaeontologist Jason Cooper in Colorado’s Morrison Formation. Sotheby’s ensured the authenticity of Apex by documenting the entire process from discovery to display.

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In contrast to past issues with fossil authenticity, Apex’s advanced age and peaceful life were confirmed by experts who noted arthritis and the absence of battle marks. Apex’s death pose, with its tail curled underneath, indicates a natural death.

Apex is 30% larger than Sophie, the most complete stegosaurus on public display, housed in the Natural History Museum in London. Previous notable fossil auctions include Stan, the most complete T. rex skeleton, sold for $31.8 million in 2020.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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