Billionaire investor Ken Griffin made headlines recently when he purchased a late Jurassic stegosaurus skeleton for a staggering $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction. This transaction marked a significant milestone as it became the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction. The stegosaurus, named “Apex,” is a 150 million-year-old specimen measuring 11 feet tall and nearly 27 feet long from nose to tail. It boasts a nearly complete skeleton composed of 254 fossil bone elements. The sale of Apex exceeded initial expectations, as it was only projected to sell for about $6 million.
Griffin emerged victorious after a fierce bidding war with six other bidders during the live auction in New York. The intense competition lasted for 15 minutes before Griffin secured the prized stegosaurus skeleton. Following his successful bid, Griffin expressed his intention to loan the fossil to a U.S. institution. This move demonstrates Griffin’s commitment to preserving American history and heritage. “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!” Griffin declared triumphantly after the sale.
Apex, the stegosaurus, holds a special place in history as it showcases no signs of combat-related injuries or post-mortem scavenging. The fossil was excavated on private land in Moffat County, Colorado, adding to its unique provenance. This acquisition adds to Griffin’s already impressive collection of historical artifacts. In 2018, Griffin generously gifted $16.5 million to Chicago’s Field Museum to support the display of a touchable cast of the largest dinosaur ever discovered, a massive, long-necked herbivore from Argentina. Additionally, in 2021, Griffin outbid a group of cryptocurrency investors to acquire a first-edition copy of the U.S. Constitution for $43.2 million. He later loaned this historic document to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas.
Ken Griffin’s purchase of the $44.6 million stegosaurus fossil at auction highlights his passion for collecting rare and valuable pieces of history. His commitment to preserving and sharing these artifacts with the public underscores his dedication to enriching cultural experiences. Griffin’s acquisitions contribute to the legacy of these remarkable treasures and ensure that they remain accessible to future generations.
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