The natural history world witnessed a groundbreaking moment on July 17, 2024, as Sotheby’s in New York hosted the sale of “Apex,” an extraordinary stegosaurus fossil. Selling for $44.6 million, the specimen shattered records to become the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction, exceeding its pre-sale low estimate by more than 11 times.
The live auction saw intense competition among seven bidders, culminating in a dramatic 15-minute showdown. The winning bidder, an anonymous buyer, expressed plans to keep “Apex” in the U.S., hinting at potential loans to institutions for public display. “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!” the buyer remarked.
Apex’ lived up to its name today, inspiring bidders globally and cementing its place in history 150 million years after it roamed the planet. This achievement underscores our commitment to preserving and sharing these ancient treasures
Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s Global Head of Science & Popular Culture, celebrated the historic sale
The Marvel of “Apex”
Discovered in 2022 by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper on his property in Dinosaur, Colorado, “Apex” is a remarkably complete specimen, with 254 of its 319 fossil bone elements intact. Measuring 11 feet tall and 27 feet long, this robust adult stegosaurus exhibits signs of arthritis, suggesting it lived to an advanced age, with no evidence of combat injuries or scavenging.
The fossil’s exquisite preservation includes rare skin impressions, cervical dermal plates, and throat armor, making it a scientific and aesthetic marvel. The bones, fossilized in superb detail, display the rich coloration characteristic of the Morrison Formation in Colorado.
Sotheby’s Natural History Auction: A Milestone Event
“Apex” was the centerpiece of Sotheby’s Natural History Auction, which also featured fossils, meteorites, minerals, and, for the first time, paleolithic tools. The event achieved a record-breaking total of $45.8 million, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $4.9–$7.4 million.
This sale builds on Sotheby’s tradition of significant fossil auctions, with “Apex” overtaking previous records set by “Sue” the T. rex ($8.4 million in 1997) and “Stan” the T. rex ($31.8 million in 2020).
The discovery and sale of “Apex” highlight the enduring fascination with fossils and their importance in understanding Earth’s history. From its origins in Dinosaur, Colorado, to the auction floor in New York, “Apex” has secured its place not just in the natural history archives but also as a symbol of the profound connection between science, art, and cultural heritage.