The world's most expensive fossil sold at auction is now a stegosaurus skeleton named "Apex," shattering previous records with a $44.6 million sale. This historic event took place at Sotheby's Natural History Auction on July 17, 2024. Discovered in Moffat County, Colorado, by Jason Cooper, the 150-million-year-old skeleton is the largest and most complete stegosaurus ever found, consisting of 254 out of 319 bones. Its buyer, Ken Griffin, announced intentions to loan the skeleton to U.S. institutions, ensuring "Apex" will remain in America.

Who bought the world's most expensive dinosaur skeleton?

Billionaire Citadel hedge fund founder Ken Griffin purchased the stegosaurus skeleton "Apex" for $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction.

The stegosaurus, a well-known herbivorous dinosaur, roamed the Earth during the Late Jurassic period, roughly 150 million years ago. Characterized by its distinctive back plates and tail spikes, the stegosaurus has always been a subject of fascination for both paleontologists and the general public. This record-breaking auction highlights not just the monetary value but also the scientific and educational significance of such remarkable fossil discoveries.