Stegosaurus fossil named 'Apex' may fetch $6 million at Sotheby’s Geek Week auction
Apex, a stegosaurus fossil
One of the largest and most complete fossils of a dinosaur species is expected to fetch a whopping amount of $6 million at the Sotheby's "Geek Week" auction this summer.
The "virtually complete" fossil of Stegosaurus stands tall at 11ft (3.4 metres) with a length of more than 20ft.
Nicknamed "Apex", it is 30 per cent larger than "Sophie", the previous record holder stegosaurus specimenwhich was on display in London’s Natural History Museum.
Apex is being termed as an "incredibly important milestone" achieved in the world of fossils, said Cassandra Hatton, the global head of science at Sotheby’s.
“Stegosaurus is one of the most universally recognisable dinosaur species, whose unmistakable silhouette has been a source of fascination and wonder for generations," said Hatton.
Also Read |Will Brazil beaches be privatised? New proposal led by ex-prez Bolsonaro's son sparks row
Apex's discovery is of a huge magnitude, believes Hatton. The process of excavation, preparation and installation of Apex "further reinforces the enduring appeal of stegosaurus and its vaunted status in popular culture," said Hatton.
With an auction estimate of $4-$6 million, Apex may become one of the most valuable dinosaur fossils ever sold at auction. The record is held by Stan,a T rex skeleton auctioned off by Christie’s for $31.8 million in 2020.
Apex was discovered by Jason Cooper, a commercial palaeontologist, whofound the remains of the dinosaur species in theMorrison Formation, in Moffat County, Colorado, nearthe town of Dinosaur, in May 2022.
Also Read |Crazy surprise! Asteroid 'Dinky' is not binary but a group of 3 space rocks, NASA's Lucy probe finds
Sotheby's had "collaborated closely" with Copper to "document the entire process, from discovery and excavation to restoration, preparation, and mounting”, as per the fine arts company to ensure that the documentation and sale were “handled with the highest standards and transparency”.
Apex will be on exhibition at Sotheby’s galleries in New York before the sale in July.
The Stegosaurus is the best-known member of the armoured dinosaurs (Thyreophorans), characterised by the distinctive shape and arrangement of dermal armour on its back that extends from the neck to the tail.
(With inputs from agencies)