People look at a virtually complete Stegosaurus fossil on display at Sotheby’s on July 10, 2024 in New York City.
Alexi Rosenfeld | Getty Images
Billionaire investor Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of hedge fund Citadel, purchased a late Jurassic stegosaurus skeleton for $44.6 million at Sotheby’s on Wednesday, marking the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction.
The 150 million-year-old stegosaurus named “Apex” measures 11 feet tall and nearly 27 feet long from nose to tail and it is a nearly complete skeleton with 254 fossil bone elements. Apex was only expected to sell for about $6 million.
Griffin won the live auction in New York on Wednesday after competing with six other bidders for 15 minutes. He intends to explore loaning the specimen to a U.S. institution, according to people familiar with his plans.
“Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!” Griffin said after the sale.
Apex shows no signs of combat-related injuries or evidence of post-mortem scavenging, Sotheby’s said. The stegosaurus was excavated on private land in Moffat County, Colorado.
In 2018, Griffin gifted $16.5 million to Chicago’s Field Museum to help fund the display of a touchable cast of the biggest dinosaur ever discovered – a giant, long-necked herbivore from Argentina.
In 2021, he paid $43.2 million for a first-edition copy of the U.S. Constitution, outbidding a group of cryptocurrency investors. He later loaned it to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas.
What a journey it has been discovering the incredible world of fossils and historical artifacts with billionaire investor Ken Griffin. From purchasing a late Jurassic stegosaurus skeleton for a record-breaking price to his philanthropic endeavors in supporting museums and institutions, Griffin’s passion for preserving history is truly remarkable.
As we marvel at the magnificence of “Apex,” the 150 million-year-old stegosaurus, we are reminded of the rich history and mysteries waiting to be unearthed. Griffin’s commitment to keeping these treasures in America ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to learn and be inspired by these ancient artifacts.
As we look forward to more exciting acquisitions and generous contributions from individuals like Ken Griffin, we invite you to stay tuned for more trending news articles like this on DeFi Daily News. Explore the world of finance, technology, and beyond with us as we continue to uncover stories that shape our world.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history and discovery. Until next time!
