A one-of-a-kind Stegosaurus skeleton is set to be sold at Sotheby’s in New York on July 17th. The sale price for this complete and best-preserved specimen is estimated to be between $4 million to $6 million. This dinosaur, nicknamed ‘Apex’, lived 150 million years ago and exhibits an arched back and a spine crowned with spines. At a height of 3 meters and a length of 6 meters, this Stegosaurus provides evidence of its advanced age, as it shows signs of arthritis.
The collaboration between Sotheby’s and the owner has been ongoing since its discovery two years ago in Colorado. This marks the first time that Sotheby’s has worked with private owners, showcasing their commitment to preserving these natural history treasures for future generations. Unlike other fossils put up for auction, this Stegosaurus displays no signs of combat or damage caused by predators, emphasizing its pristine condition.
Sotheby’s has a long history of selling dinosaur fossils, beginning with the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex ‘Sue’ sold for $8.36 million in 1997. More recently, Gorgosaurus and T-Rex skull were sold for over $6 million each. Christie’s also competes in the dinosaur fossil market and achieved significant sales with a Deinonychus skeleton sold for $12.4 million this year. Despite concerns from paleontologists about the privatization of these historical artifacts, collectors continue to demand these unique pieces at premium prices.
