Rare 150-Million-Year-Old Stegosaurus Fossil to Be Auctioned in New York

The opportunity to own a piece of history is set to become a reality as a 150-million-year-old Stegosaurus fossil, known as Apex, will be heading to auction in New York.

The remarkable fossil, estimated to be worth between $4 to $6 million, is considered to be the most complete Stegosaurus fossil ever found.

Apex, standing 11 feet tall and 20 feet long, was discovered in Moffatt County, near Dinosaur, Colorado, and will be part of Sotheby’s annual Geek Week sale series on July 17. The fossil comprises 247 bone elements, meticulously excavated by a paleontologist in 2022 and 2023. Impressions of its skin have even been preserved, adding to the significance of this extraordinary find.

The Stegosaurus, a herbivorous dinosaur known for its distinctive plates and tail spikes, roamed the earth during the late Jurassic period, making the discovery of Apex a significant contribution to our understanding of prehistoric life. The exceptional state of preservation displayed by the fossil provides a rare and invaluable glimpse into the anatomy and biology of this ancient creature.

The unveiling of Apex at Sotheby's, where it will be displayed in an exhibition before the auction, offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for the public to witness firsthand the majesty of this relic from the Jurassic era. It is a rare chance to be in the presence of an ancient marvel that has withstood the test of time, offering a connection to a world that existed millions of years ago.

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Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s global head of science and popular culture, emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating that "Apex marks a significant milestone as simply one of the best fossils ever unearthed. Through the careful process of excavation preparation and installation, Apex sets a new standard for all future discoveries of this magnitude."