A rare 150-million-year-old fossil of a Stegosaurus, named Apex, is now on display at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. This incredible specimen, purchased earlier this year for $44.6 million by billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin, is the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold. Griffin has loaned Apex to the museum for public viewing for the next four years, after which a detailed cast of the fossil will replace it.
A Historic Unveiling of Apex
Apex was unveiled to reporters, photographers, and museum employees in an exclusive event ahead of its public debut, scheduled for Sunday, December 8. Standing at 11 feet tall and stretching 27 feet long, Apex is a remarkably preserved and nearly complete fossil that offers visitors a rare glimpse into the Jurassic world.
Sean M. Decatur, president of the museum, shared the excitement surrounding the exhibit.
“It’s one of the dinosaurs that every kid knows how to draw. This is a unique opportunity to have something that simultaneously, I think, really resonates in the public imagination about dinosaurs, but also from a research standpoint, is really a pretty special specimen to understand,” Decatur said.
Kenneth Griffin’s Generosity
Kenneth C. Griffin, the billionaire buyer and CEO of the hedge fund Citadel, made the exhibit possible by lending Apex to the museum. Griffin emphasized the importance of sharing the fossil with the public.
“Apex offers a unique window into our planet’s distant past, and I am grateful millions of visitors and researchers will be able to learn from the magnificent specimen at the museum,” Griffin remarked.
He also highlighted the connection between childhood fascination and real-life encounters with dinosaurs.
“The joy and awe every child feels colouring a Stegosaurus with their crayons will now be brought to life for the millions of people who have the opportunity to see this epic dinosaur in person.”
Apex’s Journey to Fame
Apex was discovered in 2022 by palaeontologist Jason Cooper on his private land in Colorado. Scientists were amazed by the fossil’s condition and near-completeness, making it a prized find in the world of paleontology.
Initially expected to sell for around $6 million, the fossil attracted intense interest from six bidders, driving the final price to $44.6 million. This record-breaking sale surpassed the previous highest price for a dinosaur fossil—a Tyrannosaurus rex named Stan, which sold for $31.8 million in 2020.
The Stegosaurus: A Jurassic Icon
The Stegosaurus is one of the most recognizable dinosaurs due to its unique physical features: a double row of large, kite-shaped plates running along its back and a spiked tail, often called a “thagomizer,” for defense.
Living during the late Jurassic period, approximately 155–150 million years ago, the Stegosaurus was a herbivorous dinosaur that measured about 30 feet in length and weighed two to three metric tons. Despite its intimidating appearance, it was relatively small compared to other dinosaurs of its time.
Griffin’s Continued Support for Paleontology
This is not the first time Kenneth Griffin has shown his commitment to preserving and sharing dinosaur history. In 2017, he donated $16.5 million to Chicago’s Field Museum to fund an exhibit for Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered.
Griffin’s contributions to paleontology ensure that specimens like Apex are accessible to the public, inspiring awe and advancing scientific research.
Apex: A Treasure for Science and Imagination
The arrival of Apex at the American Museum of Natural History marks a significant moment for both science and public fascination. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to witness one of the best-preserved Stegosaurus fossils ever discovered, bridging the gap between childhood wonder and scientific discovery.
As Apex takes its place in the museum, it stands as a testament to the incredible history of life on Earth and the ongoing efforts to understand and preserve it for generations to come.
