Ken Griffin’s $44.6 million stegosaurus skeleton acquisition sets auction record

Billionaire investor Ken Griffin, renowned for his acquisitions, made headlines by purchasing a late-Jurassic stegosaurus skeleton named “Apex” at Sotheby’s auction for a record-breaking $44.6 million.

This acquisition marks the highest price ever paid for a fossil at auction, surpassing initial estimates by a significant margin.

Apex: A remarkable specimen

“Apex,” a remarkable specimen dating back 150 million years, stands 11 feet tall and spans nearly 27 feet in length.

Composed of 254 fossil bone elements and remarkably intact, it was excavated in Moffat County, Colorado, showing minimal signs of trauma or scavenging, indicative of a peaceful prehistoric existence.

“Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!” Griffin, the founder and CEO of hedge fund Citadel, said after the sale.

“Apex,” with its near-complete skeleton and iconic stegosaurus features, presents a unique opportunity for scientific study and public engagement.

These dinosaurs, known for their distinctive plates and spiked tails, are rarely found in such completeness, making “Apex” invaluable for paleontological research and public education.

Griffin secured the skeleton after a spirited 15-minute bidding war involving six other participants, underscoring its scientific and cultural significance.

Following the purchase, Griffin expressed plans to keep “Apex” in the United States, potentially on loan to a U.S. institution, aligning with his philanthropic history of supporting cultural and scientific endeavors.

This acquisition adds to Griffin’s portfolio of historically significant items. In 2018, he donated $16.5 million to Chicago’s Field Museum for the display of a giant herbivorous dinosaur cast, highlighting his commitment to public access and education in paleontology.

In 2021, Griffin made headlines again by acquiring a $43.2 million first-edition U.S.

Constitution, further demonstrating his passion for preserving and sharing cultural treasures. The document is currently on display at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, enriching public understanding of American history.

Griffin’s commitment to science and education is evident in his strategic acquisitions, which aim to enrich cultural heritage and inspire future generations.

Through initiatives like displaying “Apex” in educational institutions, Griffin continues to foster a deeper appreciation for natural history and scientific inquiry, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of paleontology and education alike.

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