Stunning Auction Result: Stegosaurus Skeleton 'Apex' Sets New Fossil Record
Apex: The Record-Breaking Stegosaurus Skeleton
A nearly complete stegosaurus skeleton, known as Apex, has made headlines after selling for a record $44.6 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York. This price is the highest ever paid for a fossil, significantly surpassing initial auction house estimates that placed it between $4 million and $6 million.
Discovery and Importance
- Location: The skeleton was discovered on private land in Moffat County, Colorado.
- Date of Discovery: Found in May 2022, with excavation completed in 2023.
- Historical Context: The stegosaurus lived between 146 and 161 million years ago in the Late Jurassic Period.
Significance of the Sale
This record-setting transaction not only reflects the extraordinary value placed on dinosaur fossils but also highlights Colorado's rich fossil heritage, home to the Dinosaur National Monument. As the market for fossils continues to evolve, sales like that of 'Apex' draw attention to the fascinating world of paleontology.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.