This dinosaur migrates from the Mesozoic Era to Manhattan.
A nearly perfect 150-million-year-old stegosaurus fossil known as “Apex” will soon be auctioned off and is expected to fetch up to $6 million.
The impressive skeleton, measuring 11 feet tall and 27 feet long from nose to tail, was discovered in May 2022 just outside Dinosaur Creek, Colorado.
Approximately 80% of Apex’s bones, 254 of an estimated 319, have been recovered, making it one of the most complete and best-preserved skeletons of its species.
Bidding starts at $3 million. The auction at Sotheby’s in New York begins on July 17th.
The auction house expects the dinosaur to fetch between $4 million and $6 million.
Most of the skeletons discovered were not actually complete, with the first complete skeleton only being discovered in 2020. Universities Cambridge.
Many of the dinosaurs on display around the world, including Apex, have 3D modeled or sculpted bones added to add a more complete look.
A stegosaurus named Sophie previously held the honor of being the world’s largest stegosaur, but technically it is still the most complete stegosaur to date, with 85 percent of its bones still intact.
But Apex is 30 percent larger than Sophie and is the third dinosaur the art company has auctioned in the past six years.
Judging by the fossils, Apex was likely a relatively peaceful king of Colorado, suffering only from arthritis and with no signs of battle injuries or postmortem feeding.
The Big Apple is home to many famous fossil auctions, including one in 2007 that saw Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicolas Cage get into a fierce battle over a Tyrannosaurus skull.
“Apex” will be on display at Sotheby’s New York City gallery until the auction.
The exhibit is free and open to the public, and depending on who the lucky bidder is, it could be your last chance to see the dinosaurs.
