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World Record-Breaking Fossil Auction: A Stegosaurus Like No Other
Ken Griffin, the renowned founder of Citadel hedge fund, made headlines by shelling out an astonishing $44.6 million for a 150-million-year-old Stegosaurus fossil, aptly named "Apex." This historic find has set a new record for the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction.
A Fossil Like No Other
Measuring an impressive 11 feet tall and 27 feet long, Apex is an awe-inspiring specimen that has captured the hearts and imaginations of many. But what makes it truly remarkable is its exceptional condition, with only minimal fossilization. This allows experts to envision the Stegosaurus in all its majesty, with its distinctive rows of plates running down its back and spiked tail.
Griffin’s First foray into Dinosaurs
For Griffin, this is not his first venture into the world of dinosaurs. In 2018, he donated $16.5 million to the Field Museum in Chicago to display a cast of the biggest dinosaur ever discovered, an Argentine herbivore known as a titanosaur. His passion for fossils and natural history led him to purchase a copy of the US Constitution in 2021, which he then loaned to the Crystal Bridges Museum in Arkansas.
The Rise of Fossil Collectors
The sale of Apex has further emphasized the growing interest in collecting fossils among billionaires and private collectors. With the demand increasing, prices for these remarkable relics are skyrocketing. Notably, "Stan," a male Tyrannosaurus rex, fetched $31.8 million at Christie’s in 2020, and the US government of Abu Dhabi acquired a massive Hadrosaurid for a substantial sum.
A Legacy That Will Last
As a connoisseur of fossils, Griffin aims to put Apex on display in a US museum, ensuring that the Stegosaurus will be enjoyed by future generations. His generosity will make it possible for the public to admire the magnificence of this ancient creature.
The Discovery Process
Documented by Sotheby’s and commercial palaeontologist Jason Cooper, the discovery and preparation of Apex have been meticulously chronicled. This process began when Cooper, a renowned fossil hunter, uncovered the ancient remains on his property in Moffat County, Colorado, two years ago.
Other Fossils from the Same Sale
While Apex stole the show, other impressive relics were also sold during the Sotheby’s auction. A set of Neanderthal tools fetched a respectable $22,800, while a lunar meteorite went for an impressive $40,800, more than four times its original estimate.
The Experts React
Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s global head of science and popular culture, praised Apex as an inspiration to bidders around the world, stating, "‘Apex’ lived up to its name today, inspiring bidders globally to become the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction."
Conclusion
Ken Griffin’s record-breaking purchase of "Apex" highlights the fascination of the world’s top collectors with extraordinary fossils. As a philanthropist, Griffin’s generosity will allow millions of people to marvel at this magnificent relic, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.
FAQs
Q: How big is the Stegosaurus, "Apex"?
A: It stands 11 feet tall and measures 27 feet long.
Q: What makes this Stegosaurus so remarkable?
A: Its exceptional condition, with minimal fossilization, allows experts to envision the creature in its entire majesty.
Q: Where will "Apex" be displayed?
A: Ken Griffin aims to display the Stegosaurus in a US museum for the public to enjoy.
Q: Are there other notable fossils for sale?
A: Yes, during the same Sotheby’s auction, other impressive relics, including Neanderthal tools and a lunar meteorite, were sold.
Q: Will we see more record-breaking auctions in the future?
A: The market for rare and extraordinary fossils continues to grow, leading experts to predict that more record-breaking auctions are on the horizon.
Author: www.ft.com
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