Apex: The $44.6 Million Stegosaurus That Broke Auction Records

In July 2024 the fossil market was rocked by a sale unlike any other: Apex, a nearly complete Stegosaurus skeleton excavated from Colorado’s Morrison Formation, sold at Sotheby’s for $44.6 million. Pre‑sale estimates had pegged the 150‑million‑year‑old dinosaur at $4–6 million, but bidding escalated quickly. When the hammer fell, hedge‑fund billionaire Ken Griffin was revealed as the buyer. At 3.3 metres tall and 8.2 metres long, Apex is one of the most complete Stegosaurus skeletons ever found, with about 80 percent of the bones original. Skin impressions and signs of arthritis even survive in the fossil, giving scientists a window into the animal’s life.

Stegosauruses are known for their diamond‑shaped back plates and spiked tails, but Apex adds new details to our understanding of the species. The skeleton’s plates are asymmetrical and one of the tail spikes is fused, hinting at individual variation or injury. Griffin has pledged to loan the specimen to a U.S. museum, giving scientists and the public a chance to study it. This is important because many fossil sales end with specimens disappearing into private collections where researchers lose access.

The record price reignited debate about fossils on the auction block. Supporters argue that private collectors often fund excavations and help bring spectacular specimens to light, while critics worry that irreplaceable scientific material is being commodified. In this case, the buyer’s promise to make Apex available for study softens some concerns. Still, the sale underscores a booming market where dinosaur skeletons are fetching art‑world prices. As long as demand remains high and regulations are lax, ethically navigating the boundary between commerce and science will continue to be a challenge.

Credit: Susannah Maidment et al. (2015) / Natural History Museum

Sources: CBS News coverage of the Apex Stegosaurus auction.