Shattering Auction Records
In a historic event that captivated both the scientific and collector communities, the skeleton of a Stegosaurus known as "Apex" sold for a staggering $44.6 million at Sotheby’s New York, making it the most expensive fossil ever sold at auction. While this sale made a page in the history book of some of the most notable auctions of all time, the historical significance, preservation, and rarity of “Apex” raises questions on the morality of private vs public ownership finding itself at an intersection of both science and culture.
Unearthing Apex: A Discovery of Epic Proportions
Discovered in May 2022 on privately owned land in Moffat County, Colorado, Apex is a remarkable find in the world of paleontology. The excavation, led by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper, followed a philosophy of “minimal intervention”. The excavation team focused on preserving the fine and critical details of the fossil, including fossilized skin impressions and shockingly cervical ossicles, making this fossil not only an aesthetic masterpiece but truly a one of a kind specimen.
The fossil among the scientific community is also described as the most complete and best preserved stegosaurus fossil ever found. Apex stands out not just for its completeness but also for its impressive dimensions. Measuring approximately 11 feet tall and 27 feet long, it is nearly twice the size of Sophie, the Stegosaurus housed in London’s Natural History Museum. This makes Apex not only the best preserved Stegosaurus specimen, but also the largest
The Auction, Total War
The bidding for Apex the specimen was a battle field. Starting at an estimated $4 million dollars, bidders quickly realized the historical significance and rarity of apex. The price then went up to $6 million and finally was sold at a whopping $44.6 million dollars to Billionare Ken Griffith, founder and CEO of Citadel.
Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's senior vice president and global head of science and popular culture, highlighted the uniqueness of Apex, noting that this was the first time such a specimen had been offered by a major international auction house. The sale set a new benchmark for fossil auctions, surpassing previous records and sparking discussions about the market for natural history artifacts (Sothebys.com).
The Debate: Fossils in Private Hands
The record-breaking sale of Apex has reignited the debate over the commercialization of fossils. While some argue that such sales bring important specimens into public view and preserve them for future generations, others worry that privatization could limit scientific access and study. This ongoing discussion reflects broader concerns about the balance between private ownership and public scientific benefit (Smithsonian Magazine).
A Landmark Moment in Paleontology
The sale of Apex marks a significant moment in the field of paleontology, showing the growing interest and value placed on natural history artifacts. As scientists and collectors alike marvel at this remarkable specimen, the auction has set a new precedent for the market, ensuring that fossils like Apex will continue to capture the imagination and drive passionate debate in the years to come.
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Sources:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/stegosaurus-skeleton-apex-sells-for-record-44-6-million-why-is-it-so-expensive/articleshow/111844047.cms?from=mdr
https://www.ign.com/articles/apex-stegosaurus-skeleton-becomes-the-most-expensive-fossil-ever-sold-at-auction
https://www.sothebys.com/en/videos/from-excavation-to-auction-meet-apex-the-stegosaurus