161-Million-Year-Old World's Largest Stegosaurus Skeleton Put on Auction in New York

The nearly complete fossilized remains of a 161-million-year-old stegosaurus discovered in Colorado in 2022 will be auctioned by Sotheby's in New York next week, marking a significant event in the paleontological and auction worlds.

Summarized Insights:

• 161-million-year-old stegosaurus

• Named Apex, found in Colorado

• Auction set for July 17

• Estimated value $4-6 million

The nearly complete fossilized remains of a 161-million-year-old stegosaurus discovered in Colorado in 2022 will be auctioned by Sotheby's in New York next week, auction house officials said. 

The dinosaur that Sotheby's calls Apex stands 11 feet (3.3 meters) tall and measures 27 feet (8.2 meters) nose to tail, according to Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's global head of science and popular culture.

Apex, with its distinctive pointy dorsal plates, is one of the world's most recognizable dinosaurs. 

Discovered in May 2022 on private land near the town of Dinosaur, Colorado, the excavation was completed in October 2023, Sotheby's said. 

This remarkable find has captivated paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

The stegosaurus, a herbivorous dinosaur known for its iconic back plates and tail spikes, roamed the Earth during the Late Jurassic period. 

The discovery of Apex has provided invaluable insights into the life and anatomy of these prehistoric giants. 

Though experts believe stegosauruses used their fearsome tail spikes to fight, this specimen shows no signs of combat. 

However, the fossil does show evidence of arthritis, suggesting that Apex lived to an advanced age, which is a rare find in dinosaur fossils.

Hatton described Apex as "a coloring book dinosaur," emphasizing its classic and easily recognizable appearance. 

The fossil was found "with the tail curled up underneath the body, which is a common death pose for animals," she added. 

This posture has helped preserve the skeleton in an exceptional state, making it a prized specimen for collectors and researchers.

The auction, scheduled for July 17, is part of Sotheby's "Geek Week" series, a collection of auctions featuring rare and unique items from the worlds of science and popular culture. 

The stegosaurus skeleton is expected to be one of the highlights of the series, drawing significant attention from collectors and institutions worldwide.

Sotheby's is estimating that Apex will sell for $4 million to $6 million, but that's just an educated guess. 

"This is an incredibly rare animal," Hatton said. 

"A stegosaurus of this caliber has never sold at auction before, so we will find out what it is actually worth." 

The rarity and completeness of the fossil make it a highly coveted item, and the auction is expected to attract significant interest.

The auction of Apex is a momentous event in the world of paleontology and fossil collecting. 

It represents not only the value of such rare specimens but also the ongoing fascination and intrigue surrounding dinosaurs and their history. 

The sale will likely set a new benchmark for the market value of dinosaur fossils, influencing future auctions and collections.

As the auction date approaches, excitement builds among potential buyers and dinosaur enthusiasts.

The opportunity to own a piece of prehistoric history like Apex is a rare and thrilling prospect. 

Whether it ends up in a private collection or a public institution, the skeleton of Apex will continue to inspire awe and curiosity about the ancient world.

The story of Apex, from its discovery in Colorado to its upcoming auction in New York, highlights the enduring legacy of dinosaurs and their impact on our understanding of Earth's history. 

The sale is not just about monetary value but also about preserving and sharing the wonders of our planet's distant past.

In a world where scientific discoveries continue to shape our knowledge, the auction of Apex serves as a reminder of the importance of paleontology and the treasures it unearths. 

The stegosaurus skeleton, with its majestic size and historical significance, is a testament to the incredible creatures that once roamed the Earth and the ongoing quest to uncover their secrets.