Marco Julian Serrano Apex, an impressive stegosaurus skeleton, becomes the most expensive fossil ever sold at auction with its sale price of $44.6 million. This took place at an auction conducted by Sotheby’s.
The Historic Sale Event
Kenneth Griffin, a billionaire investor who founded Citadel, won the bidding battle for the dinosaur skeleton at the auction conducted by Phyllis Kao, Sotheby’s vice president for client strategy. The auction attracted millions of spectators from around the globe.
- The bidding started from $3 million.
- The skeleton was sold for a whopping $44.6 million, breaking all predictions that ranged between $4 million and $6 million earlier.
- Seven participants bid in this event, placing offers on behalf of buyers worldwide.
About Apex, The Biggest Stegosaurus Recorded Yet
Apex is estimated to be 150 million years old and is recognized as the largest and most complete stegosaurus skeleton discovered to date. It measures 11 feet in height and 27 feet in length while having a total count of 254 bones out of an estimated total of 319 bones preserved.
“Apex was unearthed in America and it stays here!” said Griffin right after his winning bid as reported by CBS News.
The fossil was found outside Dinosaur city in Colorado during May 2022 by Jason Cooper who is also a paleontologist. Apex emerged as the finest fossil that ever went up for sale which led to its recordbreaking sale price according to Sotheby’s postauction report.
Key Role of The Auctioneer, Phyllis Kao
Phyllis Kao, the passionate and engaging auctioneer, played a significant role in successfully conducting this intense sales event. Her captivating nature and strategic engagement methods in her Armani gray jacket garnered the attention of millions who were watching this auction.
- Bidding began from $3 million as initiated by Mrs. Kao.
- She acknowledged and made individual bidders feel special by calling out their names during the process.
- Her past experience as a classical violinist was also evident throughout her stint at the event.
“Truly, it was like encountering an auctioneer’s paradise,” Mrs. Kao pointed out during a postsale interview. “You could feel the tension and excitement.”
Dinosaur Collector Ken Griffin
Rather than hoarding Apex for his personal collection, Griffin has decided to loan it to multiple institutions across America. He is no stranger to supporting dinosaur exhibits having previously contributed $16.5 million to Field Museum in Chicago back in 2017 for an exhibit showcasing Sue one of largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons discovered so far.
“The primary objective of Field Museum has always been to provide topnotch dinosaur experiences for visitors and Ken’s unwavering support comes as a major boost towards achieving this goal.” Richard Lariviere, president of Field museum acknowledged Griffin’s commitment.
This decision comes after government officials from Abu Dhabi acquired “Stan”, another large male Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton for nearly $32 million and transferred it to a natural history museum located there.
The Impact
The successful auction sale of Apex demonstrates strong interest and monetary value attributed towards dinosaur fossils among modern day individuals. Over two million viewers were recorded to have watched the auction process through TikTok further indicating their fascination towards these historical possessions.
Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s Global Head of Science & Popular Culture, was ecstatic over the sale.
- “Apex has lived up to its name today which motivated bidders globally,” noted Hatton.
- “This exceptional outcome shows our continued dedication towards preserving these ancient valuable relics.”
Mrs. Kao who was seen wearing her ancestral rings for prosperity during the auction concluded the bidding session with an emphatic strike of her gavel a unique one marked with a letter B used for high stakes auctions.
Closing
This record breaking selling event of Apex, being one of the largest and most complete stegosaurus skeletons known till date has set a new standard for future auctions. Griffin’s intent to share this rare fossil with public by lending it to institutions shows his dedicated commitment towards public education about these incredible pieces from history that have managed to survive till date. The selloff event executed by Mrs Kao charmed millions and brought attention towards human interest in dinosaur fossils on a global level.
This successful auction represents not just another win for Sotheby’s but also marks a significant milestone in maintaining and appreciating historical relics. As Apex begins its journey across public spaces within America it is expected that this majestic fossil will continue acting as an inspiration while providing knowledge about our earliest ancestors for coming generations.
