The largest ever reconstructed Stegosaurus skeleton, nicknamed 'Apex, has been sold for a record-breaking $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.
According to Sotheby's 'Apex,' is approximately 150 million years old and is one of the most complete skeletons ever unearthed. It stands 3.3 metres tall and comprises 254 fossilised bones out of a total of 319.
Sotheby’s had initially estimated its value between $4 and $6 million. However, the price soared as remote bidders flocked to the sale on Wednesday, inducing surprise and applause in the auction room.
The identity of the buyer was not disclosed by the auction house.
The previous record was $31.8 million for the sale of a T-Rex skeleton dubbed 'Stan.'
'Apex' was discovered in May 2022 on private land owned by renowned palaeontologist, Jason Cooper. Sotheby’s worked with him since the beginning of the find to organise the sale, affording a level of transparency, the auction house said.
In 2022, Christie’s auction house had to withdraw a T-Rex skeleton from a Hong Kong sale due to concerns over its authenticity.
Stegosaurus skeletons are on display worldwide, yet according to Sotheby’s, 'Apex' exceeds by 30% the size of 'Sophie,' the most complete specimen on public view, located at the Natural History Museum in London.
