The largest and most complete skeleton of a stegosaurus, which lived over 161 million years ago, is set to be auctioned off by Sotheby’s in New York on July 17. Named Apex, this incredible specimen was discovered in May 2022 by a commercial paleontologist in the Morrison Formation on private land in Moffat County, Colorado, near the town of Dinosaur. The fossil measures an impressive 3.4 meters high and six meters long and is estimated to be worth between $4 and $6 million.
Apex is unique as it shows no signs of combat or injuries related to predation but has evidence of arthritis, indicating that it lived to an advanced age. It was found alone, making it a one-of-a-kind specimen. This stegosaurus is significantly larger than another well-known stegosaurus named Sophie, part of the collection at the National History Museum in London.
Stegosaurus lived during the Jurassic-Cretaceous period in Eurasia, North America, and Africa. In the Morrison Formation, they are classified into two genera: Stegosaurus and Hesperosaurus, with distinct characteristics in their dorsal plates and tails. The taxonomic differences between these genera remain a topic of debate among experts.
Prior to the auction, Apex will be displayed at Sotheby’s galleries in New York for public viewing with free admission. The process of excavation, restoration, preparation, and assembly of the bones was meticulously documented. As part of their commitment to transparency, Sotheby’s will provide buyers with complete scanned data and a license to use the 3D data for any purpose they choose before making their final purchase decision.
This rare opportunity for collectors to own one of nature’s most fascinating fossils is not one to be missed!