Billionaire investor Ken Griffin made headlines recently when he purchased a late Jurassic st skeleton for a whopping $44.6 million at Sotheby’s auction. The stegosaurus, named “Apex,” is said to be the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction, surpassing all expectations. This unexpected purchase has once again highlighted Griffin’s affinity for unique and rare artifacts.
Measuring 11 feet tall and nearly 27 feet long from nose to tail, Apex is a nearly complete stegosaurus skeleton consisting of 254 fossil bone elements. The fact that it shows no signs of combat-related injuries or post-mortem scavenging adds to its appeal and value. It was excavated on private land in Moffat County, Colorado, making it an interesting piece with an American origin.
Ken Griffin’s interest in historical artifacts is not limited to his personal collection. In the past, he has made significant philanthropic contributions towards the preservation and display of such pieces. In 2018, he donated $16.5 million to Chicago’s Field Museum for the exhibition of a touchable cast of the largest dinosaur ever discovered. This latest purchase of Apex further solidifies his commitment to supporting the arts and sciences.
Ken Griffin’s purchase of the stegosaurus skeleton follows his previous notable acquisitions. In 2021, he outbid a group of cryptocurrency investors to acquire a first-edition copy of the U.S. Constitution for $43.2 million. This document was later loaned to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, showcasing Griffin’s willingness to share his treasures with the public.
Griffin’s intentions to potentially loan Apex to a U.S. institution indicate a desire to make this extraordinary fossil accessible to a wider audience. By allowing others to appreciate and study the stegosaurus, Griffin continues to demonstrate his commitment to education and scientific exploration. The decision to keep Apex in America further emphasizes his patriotic sentiments.
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