Stegosaurus Fossil Sells for Record-Breaking $44.6 Million at Auction

Auction House Announces Historic Sale

Sotheby’s, a renowned auction house, has announced the sale of a nearly complete fossilized stegosaurus for a record-breaking $44.6 million. The buyer’s name has not been disclosed, but the auction house revealed that the anonymous buyer is an American individual who intends to loan the fossil to a museum or research center in the United States.

The Fossil: "Apex"

The fossil, dubbed "Apex," is considered one of the most complete stegosaurus fossils ever found. It measures 11 feet tall and 27 feet long, making it a significant discovery in the field of paleontology. Apex features well-preserved pointy plates on its back, earning it the nickname "a coloring book dinosaur" from Sotheby’s expert, Cassandra Hatton.

Pre-Sale Estimate and Prior Record

The pre-sale estimate for Apex was between $4 million and $6 million, but it exceeded expectations and broke the previous record for dinosaur fossils, which was set at $31.8 million for the remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex nicknamed Stan, sold in 2020.

Academic Concerns

The sale of Apex has sparked concerns among academic paleontologists, who believe that dinosaur fossils belong in museums or research centers where they can be studied and preserved for future generations. The high price tag of the fossil has led to frustration among some in the scientific community.

The Discovery

The fossil was discovered in 2022 by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper on his property near Dinosaur, Colorado. The town is located near Dinosaur National Monument and the Utah border. Cooper’s discovery has shed new light on the life and habits of the stegosaurus, a dinosaur that lived during the Jurassic period.

What Does the Future Hold for Apex?

The anonymous buyer has expressed a desire to loan Apex to a museum or research center in the United States. This could provide an opportunity for scientists and the public to study and learn from the fossil. The buyer has also stated that they intend to work with experts to ensure the fossil is preserved and conserved for future generations.

Conclusion

The sale of Apex is a significant event in the world of paleontology and highlights the importance of preserving and studying dinosaur fossils. While the high price tag has raised concerns among some in the scientific community, the buyer’s intention to loan the fossil to a museum or research center provides a glimmer of hope for the future of this remarkable discovery.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of the stegosaurus fossil, Apex?
A: Apex is considered one of the most complete stegosaurus fossils ever found, providing valuable insights into the life and habits of this dinosaur.

Q: Who is the buyer of the fossil?
A: The buyer’s name has not been disclosed, but they are an American individual who intends to loan the fossil to a museum or research center in the United States.

Q: What is the pre-sale estimate for the fossil?
A: The pre-sale estimate for Apex was between $4 million and $6 million, but it exceeded expectations and sold for $44.6 million.

Q: What is the prior record for dinosaur fossils?
A: The prior record for dinosaur fossils was set at $31.8 million for the remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex nicknamed Stan, sold in 2020.

Q: What is the condition of the fossil?
A: The fossil is considered nearly complete, with well-preserved pointy plates on its back. It measures 11 feet tall and 27 feet long.

Q: Who discovered the fossil?
A: The fossil was discovered in 2022 by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper on his property near Dinosaur, Colorado.

Author: fortune.com

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