Ken Griffin Buys Record-breaking “Apex” Stegosaurus Skeleton at Sotheby’s Auction
Hedge fund billionaire, Citadel founder, and CEO Ken Griffin made headlines as the buyer of the project record-breaking “Apex” Stegosaurus skeleton at yesterday’s Sotheby’s auction. Griffin paid nearly $45 million for the fossil, far exceeding Sotheby’s estimate of $4 million to $6 million. This Stegosaurus skeleton set a new record for a dinosaur fossil, selling for an exact price of $44.6 million.
Griffin’s Plans for the Fossil
After the purchase, Griffin expressed his intention to explore loaning the specimen to U.S. institutions and share it with the public rather than keeping it as a private trophy. He made a statement emphasizing that “Apex was born in the United States and will stay in the United States,” indicating his commitment to keeping the fossil within the country.
Support for Dinosaur Research and Preservation
In 2017, Griffin sponsored a historic dinosaur exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois, by donating $16.5 million to acquire Sue the T. rex, one of the largest T. rex skeletons at 122 feet long. His long-term support for the museum’s dinosaur exhibits has been crucial in providing a better experience for visitors and supporting scientific research in paleontology. Griffin’s dedication to keeping Apex in the U.S. contrasts with the Abu Dhabi government’s purchase of Stan, a male T. rex, for nearly $32 million to be displayed in a new natural history museum overseas.
Sotheby’s, which kept the buyer’s identity confidential, reported that Apex was fiercely contested during the live auction, with seven bidders vying for the fossil. Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s global head of science and popular culture, praised the sale, stating that “‘Apex’ lived up to its name today, becoming the most valuable item ever sold at auction. The exceptional result highlights the importance of protecting and preserving these ancient treasures for future generations.
