Among the neon lights and bustling crowds of New York City, a piece of ancient history is about to take the limelight. On July 17, Sotheby's will auction what’s being hailed as the largest and most complete Stegosaurus skeleton ever discovered—an awe-inspiring fossil named Apex. Expecting to fetch between $4 million to $6 million, this 150-million-year-old dinosaur is set to captivate both scientists and private collectors.
Standing 11 feet tall and stretching nearly 27 feet long, Apex is a remarkable example of its species, known for its distinctive dorsal plates. According to Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's global head of science and popular culture, Apex is between 79 and 85 percent complete, making it an extraordinary find. "If you find half of a dinosaur, that’s considered a significant scientific discovery," said Hatton. "Sixty percent is incredible, and once you’re getting to 70, 80 percent, the whole world pays attention."
Apex was unearthed in May 2022 on the private land of paleontologist Jason Cooper in Colorado's renowned Morrison Formation. The excavation process took a year and a half to complete, wrapping up in October 2023. Such meticulous work helps authenticate the fossil, a critical factor given the challenges of ensuring legitimacy. In 2022, Christie’s had to withdraw a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton from an auction due to authenticity concerns.
Stegosaurus fossils are rare and highly coveted, leading to debates within the scientific community about their fate. Many experts argue that such invaluable specimens should be preserved in museums for public viewing and academic study rather than sold to private owners.
Apart from its size, Apex offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a Stegosaurus. The skeleton shows no signs of having engaged in combat, unlike many of its contemporaries that wielded their fearsome tail spikes in battles. However, the fossil does reveal signs of arthritis, indicating that Apex likely lived to an advanced age. "The sacral bones are fused, which tells us that it had arthritis," explained Hatton. "There are no bite marks or any other signs of a battle, so it's likely that it just died of old age."
The positioning of the tail curled under the body further adds a poignant touch to its story. This 'death pose' is common among animals that curl up as they near death. "It was in a death pose like a dog or a coyote, or any other animal that knows it's dying will kind of curl up on itself," said Hatton.
Despite its age, the skeleton was remarkably well-preserved, providing scientists with an invaluable opportunity to study this ancient creature. Hatton emphasized the collaborative effort between Sotheby’s and the paleontologists involved in the excavation. Such partnership ensured that every step, from discovery to mounting, was meticulously documented, bolstering the fossil's authenticity.
This isn't Sotheby's first foray into the world of dinosaur skeleton auctions. In 2020, Stan, the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, was sold for a record $31.8 million. However, the sale of Apex might set a new benchmark for Stegosaurus fossils, which have never before commanded such high prices at auction.
While some may question the commercialization of such discoveries, there’s no denying the excitement and public interest they generate. Dinosaurs have always had a profound impact on our collective imagination. "Dinosaurs are awesome," said Hatton. "Who wouldn’t be excited about these massive creatures? We've kind of built them into mythology, the concept of dragons and Godzilla."
The auction on July 17 is part of Sotheby's 'Geek Week' series, a celebration of items that pique the curiosity of science and pop culture enthusiasts alike. From comic books to space memorabilia, Geek Week aims to capture the spirit of wonder and discovery.
As the auction date approaches, the buzz around Apex continues to grow. Whether it ends up in a museum or a private collection, Apex’s story from discovery to auction is a testament to the enduring allure of dinosaurs. Who knows what other secrets the Morrison Formation still holds beneath its layers of rock and time?
Ultimately, the story of Apex isn’t just about a fossil; it’s about human curiosity and the endless quest for knowledge. "A stegosaurus of this caliber has never sold at auction before, so we will find out what it is actually worth," said Hatton, echoing the collective anticipation of paleontologists, collectors, and dinosaur enthusiasts worldwide. Whatever the outcome, Apex's presence will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of paleontology.
