World's Largest Reconstructed Stegosaurus Skeleton to be Auctioned for $4M to $6M

The largest Stegosaurus skeleton ever found is set to fetch millions at a New York auction next week, likely sparking objections from paleontologists. Estimated to be around 150 million years old, the fossil went on display at Sotheby's on Wednesday and will be exhibited until its sale on July 17.

Apex, a giant Stegosaurus skeleton standing 11 feet tall and nearly 27 feet long, will be auctioned soon. Known as the most complete and best-preserved stegosaurus of its size, Apex includes 254 fossil bone elements out of an estimated total of 319. Sotheby's values it between $4 million and $6 million. Despite the excitement, this sale has sparked criticism from paleontologists. They argue such rare finds should remain in museums or public spaces, not sold to private buyers.

Cassandra Hatton, head of science and popular culture at Sotheby's, highlighted Apex's rarity. "It's very rare to find one this complete and large," she said. Despite its significance, Apex's estimated value is much lower than Stan, the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, which sold for $31.8 million in 2020.

Discovered in May 2022 on paleontologist Jason Cooper's private land, the auction house collaborated with Cooper throughout the entire process, ensuring the highest standards and transparency from discovery to mounting. In contrast, Christie's had to withdraw a T-rex skeleton in 2022 due to authenticity doubts.

Stegosaurus skeletons are shown worldwide, but Apex is 30% larger than Sophie, the most complete stegosaurus at London's Natural History Museum. The debate over auctioning dinosaur fossils is ongoing. 

Hatton mentioned that museums often find donors or bid themselves for important specimens. Many donors understand the significance of these specimens and work to ensure their preservation in museums. Sotheby's noted that Cooper has already donated fossils to museums globally, underscoring the importance of these finds to public collections.